ChatGPT can help neurodivergents (like me) with the shit no one sees

How ChatGPT Supports Neurodivergent Individuals with Everyday Communication Challenges

In today’s fast-paced world, effective communication is essential, yet it can be an overwhelming hurdle for many, especially those who are neurodivergent. As an individual with ADHD, perfectionism, and chronic overthinking, I’ve found that routine tasks like responding to messages or emails often become daunting and exhausting. Fortunately, emerging AI tools like ChatGPT have become invaluable allies in navigating these challenges, offering practical support that enhances my daily life.

Understanding the Struggle: The Hidden Load of Simple Tasks

For neurodivergent individuals, tasks that seem straightforward to others—such as replying to a boss, messaging a parent, or contacting a healthcare provider—can spiral into complex, stress-inducing exercises in executive functioning. I frequently find myself caught in a cycle of self-doubt and overanalysis: questioning if my message is too abrupt or too cold, if I should wait before replying, or if I need to add more detail. This mental loop often results in paralysis, leading to delayed responses or complete avoidance, which can strain personal and professional relationships.

Leveraging AI as a Communication Facilitator

Recently, I adopted ChatGPT to assist in drafting messages. I provide it with the core idea, the emotional tone, and the key points I want to convey. The AI then generates a draft message, which I review and personalize. This process transforms an hours-long mental ordeal into a quick, manageable task, often completed within minutes.

This approach is not about outsourcing my communication but about using ChatGPT as a supportive tool—helping me get started, organize my thoughts, and reduce the anxiety associated with sending messages. The result is a more confident, efficient exchange that minimizes overthinking and the shame spiral often accompanying my attempts at communication.

Real-Life Application and Benefits

For instance, when I needed to reach out to my son’s teacher, counselor, and doctor, the thought alone would have sent me into overdrive. Instead, I used ChatGPT to help outline and frame each message. I made slight adjustments, personalized them, and sent each one without dwelling on them afterward—something I previously would have ruminated over extensively.

This simple shift has been transformative. It has freed up significant mental space, reduced stress, and restored my ability to communicate without the paralysis of overthinking. It’s especially helpful in situations where I know what I want to say but struggle to get past the initial hurdle of drafting.

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