Danielle SullivanIf you’re overwhelmed at home, please know that cleaning with ADHD or autism isn’t straightforward. There are a lot of neurodivergent people who struggle with organizing because the systems that work for most neurotypical people don’t usually work for us. Here are some resources that I’d recommend for getting organized with ADHD or autism (and of course we’re always happy to help you develop specific goals and accountability too!)
Contents
- 1 First of all, have you checked out our blog? Sophia and Caden have put together some amazing resources, including:
- 2 Still need support? Check out these other amazing resources!
- 3 What are your favorite cleaning or organization resources for neurodivergent people? Leave recommendations in the comments!
First of all, have you checked out our blog? Sophia and Caden have put together some amazing resources, including:
- 3 ADHD-Friendly Tips to Making Resolutions for the New Year
An ADHD-Friendly Way to Make a Cleaning Routine That Works for You
Still need support? Check out these other amazing resources!
(Affiliate statement: I’m recommending these resources because I’ve actually used them and found them helpful myself. If you click on one of our affiliate links (like Amazon or Bookshop) and make a purchase, we may receive a commission for referring you.)
1. Unf*ck Your Habitat
This resource was originally put together for drastically overwhelmed neurodivergent folks and is an excellent place to start. I especially recommend their mini-challenges and/or their “emergency” cleaning method as great ways to get something done you can feel good about as you get on the road to routine. Learn more at https://www.unfuckyourhabitat.
2. Judith Kolberg
3. KC Davis
KC Davis is a licensed professional counselor, author, speaker, and the person behind the mental health platform Struggle Care. We love her TEDx talk here:
We strongly recommend her book, How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing which is written in a neurodivergent-friendly style and has cheat sheets specifically for ADHD and autistic readers. Buy on Amazon or Bookshop.
I’m 68. I try so hard that I quit trying. Im constantly lost and feel like I let my family down. That feeling ‘life is passing me by while I do nothing’ worthlessnes.
Christmas holiday is coming and I finally understand my emotional anxiety. Every year I’ve tried to achieve my Grandmother’s Christmas. Every year it never happens and I’m overwhelmed. I make plans of how I want it to be and I CAN’T make it happen. I dont even know how to Christmas gift shop. Too much for someone, forgot someone(s), go to give the gift(s) and feel ashamed at what I gave. Make these huge meals that I’m so exhausted that I can’t even eat, didn’t set the table, can’t get people to help because I don’t know what I need help with or how to ask. Putting this in type opens the wounds to my core. I’m broken and though I know the traumas and reasons, there is no comfort. Just endless mourning for things I wish I could be and know I never will be.
Love this list, Danielle! KC Davis’s “How to Keep House While Drowning” was a game-changer for me too — especially the reframing of cleaning as care tasks rather than moral obligations.
Since you asked for recommendations: I’ve been building a free cleaning planner called TadaFlow (tadaflow.com) that’s designed specifically for ADHD brains. It breaks cleaning into small timed steps so you never have to face the “where do I even start” paralysis. Very much inspired by the same philosophy as Unf*ck Your Habitat — start small, celebrate progress. Would love to know what you think!