Bari Fischer is the CEO and founder of Impulsively Aware. She is a leading ADHD & Executive Function Coach, renowned for transforming challenges into strengths through personalized strategies and support, and the creator of impactful, empowering coaching experiences.
Life with ADHD can feel like a constant juggling act, where every ball in the air represents a task, responsibility, or goal. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to manage it all alone, but the truth is, ADHD brains thrive with the right kind of support. Building a personalized ADHD support system isn’t just about finding friends who understand your quirks; it’s about intentionally creating a network of people who empower you to navigate challenges, stay on track, and celebrate your wins.
Why a support system matters
Life with ADHD isn’t a solo sport; it’s more like a relay race, and you need the right teammates to help you cross the finish line. ADHD brains thrive with the right support structures, yet so many of us try to go it alone, thinking we should be able to handle everything ourselves (spoiler: we can’t).
Building your ADHD tribe isn’t just about friends who get your quirks. It’s about constructing a broader "success team" that meets your unique needs and helps you thrive. Whether it’s a coach, a therapist, or someone who keeps your fridge stocked and your inbox cleared, your team can help bridge the gap between chaos and calm.
Why you need a support system
Living with ADHD means dealing with a brain that loves to take detours. A support system helps you:
Stay grounded: When your brain spirals into catastrophizing, your tribe can pull you back.
Feel seen: Sometimes, you just need someone to say, “Same.”
Get unstuck: Whether it’s tackling a pile of dishes or brainstorming ideas for your next big project, having the right people around can help you move forward.
Celebrate your wins: Because, let’s be real, if you don’t celebrate, who will?
Who belongs in your ADHD tribe?
Your ADHD tribe doesn’t have to be huge. Quality over quantity, folks. Here’s a breakdown of who you might want in your corner:
The straight-shooter: This person keeps you accountable without being a jerk about it. They remind you of your potential while giving you a nudge when you’re stuck.
The cheerleader: You need someone who celebrates everything, even the small stuff, like remembering where you left your keys.
The strategist: They’re the problem-solver who helps you figure out how to tackle challenges like managing your schedule or remembering appointments.
The comedian: Laughter is the best medicine, and this person reminds you not to take yourself too seriously.
Pro tip: These roles can overlap. Your best friend might be both a cheerleader and a comedian, while your coach might double as a strategist.
Where to find your tribe
Finding your ADHD tribe takes effort, but it’s so worth it. Here’s where to start:
Coaches or therapists: A good ADHD coach or therapist isn’t just a professional; they’re a lifeline. They understand how your brain works and can help you create systems that actually stick.
Support groups: Check out local or virtual ADHD support groups. Bonus: You’ll meet people who totally get why you forgot to RSVP.
Friends and family: Not everyone in your life will get it, and that’s okay. Look for the ones who are empathetic and willing to learn.
Online communities: ADHD TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook groups are treasure troves of relatable content, tips, and solidarity. (Just don’t spend too much time scrolling!)
My own ADHD support system
Building my own support system has been transformative. Here’s a peek at my dream team:
My ADHD coach: Even a coach needs a coach! My ADHD coach helps me stay accountable and navigate my own challenges.
Therapist: While I don’t have one currently, I’ve worked with therapists in the past who were invaluable for managing my emotional health.
Psychiatrist: My psychiatrist helps me manage my ADHD and anxiety medications effectively.
Accountability groups: I’m part of two groups: one for getting things done with an accountability buddy and another with ADHD coach friends who support each other in multiple ways.
Tech support: My husband is an IT consultant and handles my coaching business’s online issues.
Home support: I’ve hired someone to come in every other week to help keep my apartment clean and organized, which makes a huge difference.
How to recognize when you need outside support
Sometimes, everything feels hard, and it’s overwhelming to know where to start. If you’re constantly treading water or juggling too many balls, it’s time to pause and ask: Where can I get help?
Signs you need reinforcements
You’re stuck in "everything is urgent" mode: If every task feels like a five-alarm fire, hiring help can help you prioritize and take things off your plate.
You’re dropping the ball on important stuff: Missed deadlines, forgotten appointments, or piles of laundry that never get smaller are all signs you need reinforcements.
You’re exhausted from decision fatigue: If choosing between 10 different tasks feels impossible, it’s time to bring in someone to lighten the load.
You don’t know where to begin: A coach, therapist, or professional organizer can help you figure out what to tackle first.
How to decide where to put your resources
Identify your pain points: What’s causing you the most stress right now? Is it your messy home, your schedule, or just needing someone to talk to?
Start small: You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Start with one area and build from there.
Consider your budget: Hiring help doesn’t have to break the bank. Many professionals offer sliding scale rates or affordable group programs.
Ask for recommendations: ADHD-friendly providers make a huge difference. Don’t be afraid to ask your network for referrals.
The dream team roster: Your ADHD allies
Here’s a list of potential players to consider adding to your ADHD success team, your very own "ADHD Allies." Remember, you don’t need all of these people, just the ones that align with your current needs and goals.
Everyday life support
Virtual assistant: Delegate the stuff that makes you want to scream, like emails, scheduling, or organizing files.
Housekeeper: Someone to help maintain order at home so your environment feels less chaotic.
Concierge service or grocery shopper: Save time and energy by outsourcing errands.
Meal prep service: From Blue Apron to a local chef, simplify your meals.
Babysitter or nanny: If you’re juggling kids, having extra hands can be life-changing.
Handyman/groundskeeper: For all those DIY projects you meant to get to but didn’t.
Professional and financial support
Accountant or bookkeeper: Someone to help with taxes, budgeting, or managing finances.
Career counselor or business consultant: Navigate career changes or build a business with expert guidance.
Financial planner: ADHD and budgeting don’t always mix, so let someone else handle it!
Legal professional: For contracts, estate planning, or that parking ticket you keep forgetting to deal with.
Health and wellness support
Therapist or psychiatrist: Essential for managing ADHD, anxiety, and emotional health.
ADHD coach: Having someone who gets your brain and helps you stay accountable is priceless.
Sleep specialist: If your sleep is all over the place, this might be your secret weapon.
Massage therapist or yoga instructor: For stress relief and self-care.
Nutritionist: ADHD-friendly eating can make a big difference in your energy levels and focus.
Educational and learning support
Tutor or learning specialist: If you’re in school or learning a new skill, they can keep you on track.
Technology expert: Help with organizing your digital life or streamlining systems.
Executive assistant: For entrepreneurs or professionals who need ongoing organization.
Community and emotional support
Support groups: Online or in-person, these can be a lifesaver for connecting with others who get it.
Peer ADHD allies: Think friends, colleagues, or neighbors who help out in a pinch.
Mastermind/accountability group: Surround yourself with like-minded people who lift you up.
How to build and maintain your ADHD dream team
Start small: You don’t need to hire half the city. Begin with one or two key roles. Maybe it’s a virtual assistant or a therapist to help you tackle immediate challenges.
Be honest about your needs: ADHD brains are notoriously bad at asking for help. Be real with yourself about where you need support and give yourself permission to accept it.
Set boundaries: Not every support relationship will work out perfectly, and that’s okay. If something feels off, it’s okay to move on and try someone else.
Check in regularly: Your needs might change over time. Reevaluate your team periodically and adjust as needed.
Celebrate your progress: Remember to acknowledge how far you’ve come, with the help of your dream team, because those wins matter.
Take the first step toward building your dream team
Ready to start building your ADHD dream team? Reflect on your current challenges and identify one area where support could make the biggest difference. Whether it’s finding an ADHD coach, connecting with a support group, or hiring a virtual assistant, take one small step today toward creating a support system that works for you.
Need help getting started? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of how to move forward, you’re not alone. ADHD can make it challenging to follow through on goals, stay organized, and manage daily responsibilities, but the right support can make all the difference.
As an ADHD and Executive Function Coach, I help individuals just like you develop personalized strategies, systems, and routines that actually work for your brain. Coaching is a judgment-free space where we can explore what’s holding you back and create a clear, realistic path forward, one that feels achievable, sustainable, and aligned with your strengths.
If you're ready to break free from overwhelm and start making real progress, let’s connect. Schedule a free discovery call here and take the first step toward working with your brain, not against it.
Bari Fischer, ADHD & Executive Function Coach
As an ADHD & Executive Function Coach, Bari is dedicated to guiding individuals on a journey of self-discovery, rooted in honesty, trust, and meaningful conversations. She works closely with clients to navigate the intricate dance of life's choices and consequences, shining a light on their strengths and celebrating every achievement along the way. This path is more than just ticking off milestones; it's about stepping into the lead role of one's own life story, understanding and embracing one's unique brain wiring. With Bari, the coaching journey is an exploration of discovery, growth, and the joy found in every step forward.
