DEV Community

Discussion on: Coding with ADHD: How do You do it?

Collapse
 
mabla0531 profile image
Matthew Bland

I used to struggle big time with this. However this may sound dumb but ADHD has made me a more productive programmer than normal because I've learned how to work with it and use it to my advantage. First, my ADHD keeps me from doing one thing for too long but if I immediately start on coding for example my productivity is insane. (It sometimes quickly drops off though.)

I make sure to set a definite goal every session. For example collision detection between entities. I tell myself "make this happen." And then reward it with a leisure activity (typically a videogame).
I tend to have to very frequently alternate because of my interest loss (which isn't limited to coding, it affects leisure just as much).
I typically don't get overly focused on one thing because I make sure to write exactly what is needed and plan it out beforehand. Some things take longer than others, and I alot for that based on days.

Collapse
 
aidiri profile image
Aidi Rivera

I totally relate to all this. I've become a super planner because I know I will forget everything. I just will not remember dates or deadlines or tasks. But my planner sure will! So I've definitely become much more organized just by trying to manage the inattentive part of my ADHD. And in a similar way it's made me a better programmer.

I have interest loss too but because switching and starting new tasks are just as hard alternating doesn't really work for me. I make use of deadlines a lot, sometimes even having other people give deadlines for me to give me the urgency my brain needs to realize that I need to get something done now. Doing that I can usually spend my time working mostly on one or two things for a long time (using that hyperfocus when I can) until they're done before moving on. So less work trying to mentally switch, and even if I lose interest that deadline is still hovering over my shoulder enough to get me going.