7 apps to help teens with ADHD manage everyday challenges

Apps can be great tools for teens with ADHD. Even if an app isn’t specifically designed with ADHD in mind, it may still help your child manage everyday challenges. Check out these apps.

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1. Homey — Chores and Allowance

Giving chores to kids with ADHD can boost their self-esteem and organization skills. But keeping track of household tasks and allowance can be tough for kids who have trouble with focus. Homey — Chores and Allowance can make the process easier.

The app can set daily, weekly, or monthly tasks for the whole family. It also syncs across multiple devices, so kids and parents can get on the same page. The app tracks earning goals and links family members’ bank accounts, too. So if your child has a bank account and gets an allowance, you can transfer money directly through the app.

Available for: iOS, Android

2. Rooster Money

Trouble managing money is common in kids with ADHD. Rooster Money can help teach them about finances. The app allows parents and kids to track and monitor pocket money and allowance through a practice bank account. You can set up regular allowance payments and check to see how much money your child has. When you give your child paper money, you can subtract it on the app.

Kids can use the app to see how much money they’ve spent and saved. And they can use it to set financial goals, like saving up for a new toy or piece of clothing.

Available for: iOS, Android

3. The Sims FreePlay

The Sims FreePlay game is an open-ended simulation of young adult living. It can help kids with ADHD practice everyday skills they’ll need in “real life.”

In the app, kids create a “Sim,” or a virtual character. Each Sim has their own style, personality, and dreams. The Sim has needs like eating, sleeping, personal hygiene, social interaction, and having fun. Kids must direct their Sim to take actions to meet the Sim’s needs, as they build and furnish a home, look for jobs, and form relationships.

Available for: iOS, Android

4. Conversation Planner

One way ADHD can impact kids socially is by making it hard to follow a conversation. Conversation Planner can help your child practice. The app teaches kids how to build conversation skills and get ready for many social situations.

With over 130 real-world scenarios, kids learn to think about who they’re talking to. In each scenario, kids choose a talking partner and two conversation goals — one for themselves and one for the partner. When kids master one level, the next level is unlocked.

Available for: iOS

5. Choiceworks Calendar

Choiceworks Calendar is a picture-based calendar app that can help kids with executive function challenges. Kids can put images in a sequence to map out a day, week, or month. The app comes with tons of pre-loaded images, but kids can also upload their own. There are options to have the images read aloud if kids prefer.

While this learning tool is meant for older kids, there’s also a version of the app for younger children called Choiceworks.

Available for: iOS

6. Google Calendar

Lots of people use Google Calendar. But they might not realize how helpful it can be for kids with ADHD, too. Your child can use it to keep track of appointments, events, and tasks. One big benefit is that Google Calendar integrates with other Google applications that kids may already use in school. This includes Gmail, Google Keep, and Google Drive.

Available for: iOS, Android

7. Eye to Eye: Empower Different Learners

The Eye to Eye Empower app was created by Understood founding partner Eye to Eye, with the support of Microsoft EDU. In the app, kids can work through different activities, called quests. Each quest helps kids identify the skills, allies, and strengths to help them succeed in their goals. Kids can share their goals and bring them to life through photos in their own comic book.

One unique feature is that when kids finish the quests, they receive an advocacy plan. The plan can help teens with ADHD self-advocate in school and in life.

Available for: iOS

Learn how ADHD can affect social skills. And check out these meditation apps that can help kids focus and cope with stress.