Professional Organizing & ADHD

If you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or organizational issues that feel insurmountable, you may benefit from using a professional organizer. Professional organizers are people who help remove the clutter and frustration from your life. Many professional organizers for people with ADHD have special training with ADHD and are familiar with the difficulties their clients face. Learning about professional organizers may turn out to be a huge step toward conquering the lack of organization in your life.

Benefits

• Everyday organizer with address book puts order into lives.

  Each professional organizer helps clients in different ways, but the goal is the same--to get clients to take control of ADHD instead of the other way around. With children, this can manifest itself by getting the child organized for school and having him achieve better results. Professional organizing may also help with learning despite the distractions. With adults, professional organizing can assist with job performance and with removing frustration from their lives.

When to Hire

• Sticky notes as reminders .

  Using a professional organizer might be a good idea if you don't know how to deal with your ADHD child without screaming or getting frustrated, if your methods aren't working, or if there are self-esteem and school issues. Hiring may be a good idea for adults who need to learn prioritizing, time management and how to overcome procrastinating. The goal is for improved focusing, learning what tools compensate for ADHD, and learning how to plan.

Examples of Professional Advice

• Sometimes one big note suffices as a list.

  Many professional organizers utilize charts with stickers for children and recommend using colored folders for school. They also suggest that parents check backpacks daily for clutter, lay out clothes the night before and have parents contact teachers about their child's progress. Children and adults are taught to keep things in the same place so they're not lost, use clocks and timers to help with time management, and write to-do lists on sticky notes, notebooks or computers.

Whom to Hire

• Date reminder for desk or dresser

  When considering use of a professional organizer, check what services they offer and what they require, such as a minimum number of sessions. Also check their references carefully as you would when hiring anyone else. Many people in this field belong to professional organizations, although it's not required, but it might give you peace of mind. Some organizations are National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization, Attention Deficit Disorder Association, and National Association of Professional Organizers.

Types of Services

• You can hire a professional organizer to come to your home and work with you or your child. It should come as no surprise that you can also have a virtual professional organizer online. There are one-on-one coaches and group sessions, either live or online. Groups are usually less expensive. Find out the cost and any hidden charges. Ask the professional organizer to explain everything and if any contracts are involved.

Bottom Line

• Some of the organizations listed above, such as the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization, have their own code of ethics. Members should follow the codes, but that doesn't mean the person you hire is a good personality match with you or your child. If you feel uncomfortable or no progress is being made, you may want to find another professional. With the right match, progress can be made to get ADHD under control.