• Brace.to icon
  • Improvement Roll  icon
  • Loop Habit Tracker icon
  • Aucards icon
  • Kvæsitso icon
  • +21

AuDHD managing

soul1472soul147226 appsUpdated
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software to manage AuDHD (autism + ADHD combo) needs!

routine, but with novelty and special time for randomness. visual stimulation, but not distraction. balancing between overstimulation and understimulation.


time blindness, executive dysfunction & task initiation anxiety, inability to read internal (body/emotional) signals, meltdowns, sensory overstimulation, verbal shutdowns.


  • i try to use FOSS as much as possible
  • i remove some ratings where they are irrelevant or obvious
  • (!!!) for favorites

everything

(unsorted)

  1. Brace.to icon
     Like

    Your bookmark manager with privacy at heart. Brace.to helps you save links to everything and visit them later easily, anytime, on any of your devices. Powered by Stacks technology, all your saved links are encrypted, and only you can decrypt them and see the content inside.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    • Mozilla Firefox
    Brace.to screenshot 1
    Brace.to screenshot 1
    Brace.to screenshot 2
    +11
    Brace.to screenshot 3
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    (!!!)

    the one and only bookmark manager that works for me. why? ask my brain, i don't know. list/grid view, folders. as for cards in grid view: only preview, page's name and site's address, nothing more. has both archive and trash bin. so you can move old (but still cool!) bookmarks from your view without deleting them.

    • multiplatform data sync: yes
    • performance: ok (+ depends on internet connection speed)
    • colorful: no
    • works offline: no
  2. With Improvement Roll, you can create category of tasks that you want to do (in no particular order). Then press the button and it will randomly give you a task to do from said list.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    Improvement Roll  screenshot 1
    Improvement Roll  screenshot 1
    Improvement Roll  screenshot 2
    +1
    Improvement Roll  screenshot 3
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    i use this when i need randomness instead of plain structured to-do list! i can't believe how helpful it is for my brain to just randomize tasks like this :0

    • multiplatform data sync: no
    • performance: good
    • colorful: no
    • works offline: yes
  3. Loop Habit Tracker (AKA uhabits) helps to create and maintain good habits in order to achieve their long term goals. Detailed graphs help you to better track the progress of your habits.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    Loop Habit Tracker screenshot 1
    Loop Habit Tracker screenshot 2
    Loop Habit Tracker screenshot 3
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    widgets are EXTREMELY helpful, and there are plenty of them! all kinds of graphs and statistics to actually see the progress. it's rewarding. you can archive some habits if you need. they will be hidden, means less distraction.

    also, you can turn on optional rest/pause days without loosing a progress. for example, making a pause with sport while you're sick. it's only fair to take your time. it has two modes for habits: yes/no type and measured type. i like this separation. helps with priorities. i especially love "X times per week" regime ("yes/no" type). it leaves some freedom for rest without anxiety or guilt. plus, optional small notes for any day if you want. ^w^

    • multiplatform data sync: no
    • performance: perfect
    • coloful: yes
    • works offline: yes
  4. Aucards icon
     Like

    Aucards is a free and open-source app where you can create colorful communication cards to help you communicate with others.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    Aucards screenshot 1
    Aucards screenshot 2
    Aucards screenshot 3
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    very simple thing to use during verbal shutdown (or for non-verbal/semi-verbal people). before that i used note apps to communicate, but they has many unnecessary details + font is too small. here: fonts are big enough to be readable to other person when you show your screen, colors for background, groups and favorites.

    • performance: perfect
    • colorful: yes
    • works offline: yes
  5. Kvæsitso icon
     Like

    Kvæsitso is a launcher application for Android which replaces the device's default home screen. It has been built from scratch, meaning it is not based on the AOSP launcher (like many other third party launchers) nor does it try to recreate this launcher.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    Kvæsitso screenshot 1
    Kvæsitso screenshot 2
    Kvæsitso screenshot 3
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    helps to build comfortable environment. options to hide apps (entirely or leave them visible only for search), customize main page only with favorite icons and widgets! you can change shape of icons too, which adds novelty :)

    • performance: depends on your settings and visual effects
    • colorful: depends on your system theme
    • works offline: yes
  6. Breezy Weather is a weather app with a strong focus on design, with a simple, clean UX, smooth animations, and Material Design all over, plus lots of customizability.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    Breezy Weather screenshot 1
    Breezy Weather screenshot 2
    Breezy Weather screenshot 3
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    to use together with Suntimes icon Suntimes or instead of it. it contains more information, but dashboard is flexible (you can remove/add different sections). knowing weather is good for planning! especially info about air quality, UV index and allergens. helps with starting an algorithm: checking the weather - picking right clothes - taking things for this weather (gloves, umbrella, allergy meds etc.) - going outise.

    • performance: ok
    • colorful: depends on your system theme
  7. Material Photo Widget is as simple as it can be: an Android home screen widget to display your favorite photos. It is a free, no-ads, open source alternative for people who want to customize their home screen.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    Show your favorite photos!
    Free, zero ads, open-source!
    Customize widgets your way
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    if i don't see something right away, it does not exist for me. this rule applies for both physical and digital spaces. so i need something right on my screen! i use it for pictures that inspire me to draw. kinda making traps for my artistic attention! :P

    • performance: ok

managing time

time blindness is a curse

  1. Your privacy-aware, open-source calendar with intuitive design and multi-platform syncing.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    Fossify Calendar screenshot 1
    Fossify Calendar screenshot 2
    Fossify Calendar screenshot 3
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    as a person cursed by visual thinking, i depend on widgets. nothing on the screen? nothing to do! (kill me.) as one AuDHD person said: "after my brain gets used to seeing something in one place for too long I don't notice it anymore. So a sticky note will work for about a week. Then my brain no longer notices it." and i agree with it. this is why changing colors and size is so important for me.

    if you feel like you got used to some widget or colors, change them. make it stimulate your brain again. and this one has 3 widgets: today's date, agenda, month view (with events). the most important part: you can resize fonts and widgets, choose colors and background opacity. helps when you need a reminder to scream in your face right at your home page. and yes, you have the whole color wheel. as for the app itself: even more colors customization, events/tasks, different views: month, week, agenda, day, month + agenda (split view).

    • multiplatform data sync: android + CalDAV
    • performance: good
    • colorful: YES!
    • works offline: yes
  2. MedTimer icon
     Like

    MedTimer is an open-source medication reminder app designed to help you manage your medications and pills effectively and with full control of your sensitive data.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    MedTimer screenshot 1
    MedTimer screenshot 2
    MedTimer screenshot 3
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    because i keep forgetting to take my meds. dumbass. colors, icons, tags. notifications are colored (the color i chose for certain medications).

    • multiplatform data sync: no
    • performance: good
    • colorful: yes
    • works offline: yes

    suggestion from the comments: Pillo icon Pillo

  3. The Floating Timer app features both a countdown timer and stopwatch that will float on top of other running apps. This app is useful to time activities such as: Exam practice, gaming speed runs (speed-running), gaming boss fights, cooking.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    Floating Timer screenshot 1
    Floating Timer screenshot 2
    Floating Timer screenshot 3
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    i tend to ignore timers unless they are in full-screen mode. before that i used picture-in-picture view for videos of timers, so i would "feel" the flow of time (something i can't seem to learn to do intuitively). that means floating timer that disrupts my screen is a blessing.

    • performance: good
    • colorful: you can choose the color of your floating timer, so i guess yes?
    • works offline: yes
  4. Stickies icon
     Like

    Stickies is a PC utility written to replace Post-It-style notes left stuck to your monitor. The design goal behind Stickies is that the program is small and simple. Stickies will not mess with your system files, or write to the Registry.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • PortableApps.com
    Stickies screenshot 1
    Stickies screenshot 1
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    putting it into "time management" section because i use it solely for staying focused on current tasks / plan, not actually writing something important in long-form. overall, the main feature is pinning the notes atop of everything, so it's always in my sight. this is what must-have for me. but it has other cool (bonus as for me) functions like attachments (images), changing colors, setting up reminders.

    • performance: perfect
    • colorful: yes
    • works offline: yes

minus overstimulation

less clutter. focus on what's needed.

  1. PipePipe icon
     Like

    Offers an alternative Android streaming front-end for major platforms, with ad-free playback, SponsorBlock, advanced filters, danmaku chats, and playlist downloads.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    PipePipe screenshot 1
    PipePipe screenshot 2
    PipePipe screenshot 3
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    (!!!)

    very customizable. i removed recommendations, trending page, comments, "similar" videos and shorts. only videos from channels i follow or something i really want to find. downloading in different formats, making a queue, playing at background, picture-in-picture, no account needed. views history back-up!

    i moved from NewPipe icon NewPipe just because PipePipe has more features like SponsorBlock, but NewPipe is still cool ^_^

    • multiplatform data sync: no
    • performance: good (unless YT breaks something)
    • colorful: no (it's a plus here)
  2. FreeTube icon
     Like

    Experience YouTube ad-free on desktop with enhanced privacy. FreeTube prevents Google tracking and works seamlessly across Windows, Mac, and Linux.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    • AppImage
    Watching a video
    Browse videos from subscribed channels
    Search for and discover content
    +3
    Manage subscribed channels
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    it is still in development, but already better than YT, especially UI. i turned off many YT bloat from here as well (comments, recommendations, etc). standalone app, not a page in browser (where i have a temptation to check other websites). isolated environment for one certain task reduces the risks of being distracted. 2025 version was a little slow and janky, and 2026 version works better.

    • multiplatform data sync: ??? (i use it only for Desktop, so i dunno)
    • performance: mid
    • colorful: no (it's a plus here)
  3. Use Android's Digital Wellbeing tools to find better balance with your phone. More productivity, more time unplugged, or more controls for the whole family.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    Digital Wellbeing screenshot 1
    Digital Wellbeing screenshot 2
    Digital Wellbeing screenshot 3
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    i use focus mode and gray-scale mode. genuinely, wow, ggle made something good?

    performance: perfect

  4. An open source, privacy respecting, Android browser based on Privacy Browser by Soren Stoutner.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    monocles browser screenshot 1
    monocles browser screenshot 2
    monocles browser screenshot 3
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    despite it having many privacy settings, this browser actually simplifies everything. turning off JS, ads, DRM, third-party assets makes pages lightweight. yes, sometimes it breaks things, but if i need less stimulation, it doesn't matter. i can always save links for later if they don't work correctly in this browser. i do not use monocles search engine tho, it doesn't fetch enough results.

    • multiplatform data sync: no
    • performance: good
    • colorful: no (it's a plus here)
  5. Priviblur icon
     Like

    Priviblur is a proxy. It makes requests to Tumblr in lieu of you allowing you browse without being tracked.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Self-Hosted
    Priviblur screenshot 1
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    (!!!)

    i honestly hate Tumblr UI, its load time, ads and login-wall. so slow, so infuriating. remember that frog on login requirement notice? i hate it with all of my heart now. i'm sorry, Tumblr frog. it's not your fault. though Tumblr itself is a risk, i try to not stuck there.

    • performance: perfect (x1000 faster than Tumblr)
    • colorful: no (it's a plus here)

to write/code/take notes

note: i do not code complex things. only HTML/CSS/JS for simple fun pages.

  1. thoughts.page is a platform for hosting a small webpage for your thoughts. it's basically like twitter, but nobody can @ you.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    (!!!)

    posting page is simple and stripped from distractions. markdown is default, but you can use HTML elements too. i don't like social aspects of microblogging, but i like making public text posts. also i dislike complex setups. so this thing is perfect for me. customization is hidden in menu, which means you won't be tempted to endlessly tinkering your CSS. cool for export/archiving if you have a website! or local copies.

    • multiplatform data sync: yes (web)
    • performance: perfect
    • colorful: depends on your CSS, but default themes are very simple :)
    • works offline: no
  2. NotallyX icon
     Like

    Minimalistic Android note taking App | Notally, but eXtended.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    • OpenAPK
    NotallyX screenshot 1
    NotallyX screenshot 2
    NotallyX screenshot 3
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    (!!!)

    to quickly write down something stupid at 3am. tags and colors are helpful for balanced stimulation and categorization! i personally add emoji to the tags for better visuals as well. good amount of text formatting: not distracting, not limiting. the best feature is: note reminders. you can make one-time or reoccurring reminders with linking to the certain note. so it's not just a notification with "go study you dumbass", it's "go study you dumbass, and here's the detailed note with instructions you wrote earlier."

    upd 2026: now it has "pin to status bar" option to pin your note there! and you can't just swipe it away, only unpin. useful!

    • multiplatform data sync: no
    • performance: ok
    • colorful: yes
    • works offline: yes

    honorable mention: Notally icon Notally (original project). o7

  3. Bear Blog icon
     Like

    Privacy-first, no-nonsense, super-fast blogging. No trackers, no JavaScript, no stylesheets. Just your words.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    Bear Blog screenshot 1
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    works only if i stop endlessly changing, fixing CSS. also being chill about my blog and not trying to be "serious writer" helps. quick markdown editor, drafts, publish/unpublish, export as .md files, pre-made themes (means i'm not stuck with creating CSS myself), lightweight!!!

    • multiplatform data sync: yes (web)
    • performance: default theme is perfect
    • colorful: depends on your CSS
    • works offline: no
  4. HelixNotes is a local markdown note-taking app built with Rust, Tauri 2.0, and SvelteKit. Your notes are standard .md files on your filesystem - sync with whatever you want or nothing at all.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    HelixNotes screenshot 1
    HelixNotes screenshot 1
    HelixNotes screenshot 2
    +1
    HelixNotes screenshot 3
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    (!!!)*

    OMGs, this is the only "knowledge management" software that seemingly works for me!? probably because it's really simple and works with the files, which means i always have .md and .txt files that i can open in any other program. there are no plugins, and it's really swift! does not slow down my devices at all! even on my phone.

    basic things: markdown/rich text editor (switching between them), sync is possible through any cloud drive (i use two-sided sync for this). "advanced" things: wiki links with the graph view are optional and not overwhelming?! of course, it's not for sensitive information, unless you have some kind of external encryption for your files, so i use it only for general stuff.

    i use it together with note.garden, but this one is for learn in private mode.

    before that i used Markor, but i ended up coding there instead of actually writing something important ;_;

    • multiplatform data sync: yes
    • performance: ok
    • colorful: depends on your theme
    • works offline: yes
  5. note.garden is a web app implementation of the Zettelkasten method, inspired by others’ digital gardens.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    note.garden screenshot 1
    user profile example
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    i use it together with Helix notes, but this one is for learn in public mode.

    • multiplatform sync: yes (online)
    • performance: good
    • colorful: no, but i like green :)
    • works offline: no, but export is the thing

feeling underwhelmed?

be careful and do not to stuck there.

  • Desktop Forest (will add it to AlternativeTo later)
  1. Wikipedia icon
     Like

    Free content, multilingual online encyclopedia written and maintained by a community of volunteers through a model of open collaboration, using a wiki-based editing system.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Samsung Galaxy Store
    • F-Droid
    • Kindle Fire
    • OpenAPK
    • MediaWiki
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • visionOS
    Wikipedia screenshot 1
    Wikipedia screenshot 1
    Wikipedia screenshot 2
    +5
    The home page of Wikipedia.
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    interesting and random info. basically a rabit hole, but helps if used correctly.

  2. wikiHow icon
     Like

    Easily learn how to do anything from wikiHow, the world’s leading how-to guide. Step-by-step instructions on every imaginable topic. Become the DIY master of anything, instantly.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    wikiHow screenshot 1
    wikiHow screenshot 2
    wikiHow screenshot 3
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    same as Wikipedia, but not as random: it focused on tutorials. i like reading simplified human-curated guides about different things.

  3. Find fun and easy craft ideas or discover a new hobby! Our DIY projects range from paper crafts to needlecrafts, and there's enough to keep you busy for weeks on end.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Online
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    making something with my hands helps A LOT. physical activity is good for grounding when i'm stuck in my head.

    and crafting always means free stimulation B)

  4. Open source search engine crawling the web’s independent, non-commercial content, prioritizing small sites, supports white-label setups and low-cost operation.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    Marginalia Search screenshot 1
    Marginalia Search screenshot 1
    Marginalia Search screenshot 2
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    i like its indexing more than "bigger" search engines.

  5. Pinterest icon
     Like

    A virtual pinboard to collect, share, and follow collections filled with inspiring ideas like wedding plans, home decor, and personal style.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Android Wear
    • Kindle Fire
    Main Page as of Out. 2011
    Pinterest screenshot 1
    Pinterest screenshot 2
    +3
    Pinterest screenshot 3
    soul1472soul1472’s note

    images, colors and randomness. i can't stand gifs and short videos, but i like looking at pictures. saving them feel like collecting cool rocks. i use EU location so it won't show me any adds B)

    i'm planning to move to Currents.is icon Currents.is and/or Moodloom icon Moodloom... one day...

  • change alarm, timer and notification sounds from time to time. same with text (if available to customize in notification text), colors (especially for notes and not widgets). because many of us start to ignore too familiar stimuli, which means we should change things to stimulate our brain!
  • widgets are extremely helpful for important information. hiding info into folders means we have a big risk to forget about them.
  • do not try to make perfect streaks in habit tracking apps. we should have time for randomness, and breaking the streak often means loosing interest or motivation. try "at least 5 times per week" instead of "every day."
  • setting minimal versions of regular goals helps: if you feel exhausted to make a full 15-minutes exercise, then make this task's minimal version: 10 push-ups.

Comments

1

ReDD Focus  icon ReDD Focus ReDD Focus is an Android accessibility service designed to help people with attention-related conditions (such as ADHD) manage their digital environment.

SleipnirTheHorse
0

This all looks great, is there a Windows only version and a Linux only version?

1
1 reply
01 z0
1

you might like bearblog.dev for writing /blogging if minimal and calm is your jam. I found peace on that spot of the web - thanks for your list - really useful

Clippy
2

Check out these 3 for android: Grit Habit Tracker (inspired by loop), Mindful : Focus & Screen Time, Goodtime (promodoro timer)

Camil Fernandez
1

Used to love MedTimer, but I have been using Pillo and it became my favorite. It gets so annoying and in the way that I eventually take my meds out of spite