Mention organization to someone with add or adhd and they go into the fight or flight mode. Lack of organization is right up there with focus on the list of ADHD problems.

Between working with adhd students in public schools, and being a victim of it myself, I have heard or given too many reasons for not being organized. The connotation of organization, regardless of its spelling, is a bad word for most of us with ADHD.

ADHD is a disorder, not an excuse. A disorder that requires organization.

While struggling with personal organization problems and searching solutions for my students' lack of preparedness, (Homework, pens, pencils, paper were habitually forgotten or lost), I devised a system that works.

The basic procedure applies to children or adults. However, separate strategies are designed for one or the other. Working adults who are continuing their education can benefit from both strategies.

School

The following supplies are needed.

1. Simple three-ring loose or zipped binder. Avoid pockets, flaps, or gadgets. The number of binder rings is unimportant as long as it holds the type of paper requested by teachers or supervisors.
2. Dividers. You will need two for homework, one for each class subject, and one for take home materials. Labels on the dividers should be printed on both sides for easy access to sections.
3. Single hole punch
4. Plastic supply pouch with holes congruent with the binder.

Setting up the Binder

Attach the plastic supply pouch in the front. Place labeled dividers in the following order:1) Completed Homework. 2) Assigned Homework. 3) Subject/Class (Place these in the order held during the day). 4) Take Home

Assignments from each teacher giving homework for the day, regardless of the subject, are recorded in the Assigned Homework section. Paper is needed in this section. Allow plenty of filler paper for note-taking after each subject/class. Place the subject/class dividers in order of first to last period.The last divider labeled Take Home needs no paper.This section is for school correspondence intended for parents or guardians. Parents should ask each evening if there is anything for them to read or sign in the take home section.

Using the Binder

When it is time for homework, turn to the Assigned Homework section and you will have all of the homework assignments and any handouts that accompany them.You can begin work immediately without having to search for assignments.

As you complete each homework assignment, put it in the Completed Homework section. Do not let go of it until it is held in place by the rings of the binder. This ends the just had it in my hand and now I can't find it dilemma. Next, place a check mark in front of each entry as it is completed and fastened in the binder. At the end of the homework session the assignments for all classes are safe in the binder, ready for delivery. If it doesn't reach school there are only two explanations. One, it was not completed. Two, it was not put it in the binder.

Enter homework assignments from each class in the Assigned Homework section. Begin a new heading with each new school day. Skip one line and enter the homework from each class as the teacher assigns it. Write or print the name of the class (subject/teacher) in capital letters followed by a colon. Enter the homework assignment. Use the same procedure for each class with assigned homework for that day. Leave a line between classes. This procedure allows for ease of reading and prevents overlooking entries. Make sure to enter assignments that do not require a physical product to submit. For example, assigned readings, activities, preparing for a quiz or test. If you do not record it, you will forget to do it. Handouts, worksheets, etc. given for homework should be recorded even though you have the assignment handout. Write the assignment down using the given format. (SOCIAL STUDIES/SMITH:Handout (continents), and attach the handout in the Assigned Homework section next to the entry page.

Place study guides, syllabuses, classroom rules, and revised updates at the beginning of the subject or class it pertains. Any handouts, specific lecture guides, and other classwork supplements are placed in order of the date presented. They will coincide with your notes.the notes.

If you receive handouts that are not hole punched, punch them upon receipt and secure them in the binder. Tell your teachers in advance that you will be doing this, and explain why you are doing it.

Date your class notes.This makes it easy to locate information for test review. Qualify your notes by recording page numbers of textbooks, lecture topics, video titles, and other pertinent information. Your notes and supplements are arranged for ease of study and review.

Do not fill the supply pouch with items that are not necessary or seldom used. Items in the pouch need to be visible to avoid wasting time searching for them. The hole punch, three or four sharpened pencils, two pens, and an eraser should be sufficient. Specific teacher requests such as colored pencils or markers are best kept in an easy access outer pocket of the backpack.

Attach all take-home materials in the Take Home section of your binder upon receiving them. It is your job to get the information to your parents or guardians.

Prepare your backpack each night before bedtime. A good time to do this is after finishing your homework. Check supplies to make sure everything is present and in working order. Carry your binder in the backpack. It is subject to loss when carried separately. If backpacks are not allowed in the classroom, the binder can only be in your hands, on your desk, or in your locker. Don't set it down anywhere else.

The basic rules for students to follow are:

1. No loose papers in the binder-everything must be attached
2. Enter homework assignments for every class in the Homework Assignment section
3. Place all homework the second it is finished in the Homework to Hand In section
4. Check the supply pouch each evening to insure having 3 freshly sharpened pencils, 2 workable pens, hole punch, and other required supplies
5. The binder is transported via your backpack

The organization rules and procedures are easily followed, effective, and save time. Abiding by the rules of this systen will end forgotten homework and lost homework, two big problems that haunt ADHD students and their parents.

Work and home

Never write needed information on a loose piece of paper. However, if you insist on breaking this rule, immediately wad it into a ball and toss it in the waste basket . . . Now you know exactly where to look for it.--Paul Keene

The Planner

Use one planner for everything. The planner that I use and highly recommend is from Planner Pads Co. You may make your own, or you may purchase one. I make no money from the recommendation. It is the planner that I recommend to others with or without adhd. You may take a look at the planner or purchase it at www.plannerpads.com. You may modify the planner to fit your specific needs.

It is necessary to stop writing notes, messages, or any needed information on loose paper of any type, including sticky notes, specially designed, self-made notepads, scraps of paper, or anything else. Stop the counterproductive habit.

I have wasted an embarrassing amount of time looking for things. Important papers, phone numbers, messages, and notes magically disappeared even though I had an impressive number of file folders including one for Things to file. They quickly joined a growing number of stacked papers, and I could never find the right stack to find the right file.

It does no good to write a "To Do" list if you lose it. You cannot track goal setting progress when you lose the written goals and timelines. Goals, appointments, notes, messages, things to do, plans, ideas, telephone numbers, addresses, and other important information need to be in one place. A place that is at your finger tips.

I use the Executive Size 8 1/2 " x 11" planner pad with a plain binder that can be snapped shut. I close it and carry it with me whenever it's needed. Otherwise, It remains opened on my desk and I can view the entire week at one time. I take notes, record messages, make appointments, and record my to do items. There is no need to write anything on a loose page. If I need to add an occasional document or two, I punch a hole or two and take it with me. It will not fall out, and I will not lose it.

What about other documents?

File documents and correspondence on your computer in e-mailbox folders and in your download folders. Choose file names carefully, and by all means remember the program name where you filed it. If need be, keep a list in the back of your planner. Make sure that you have a backup system in place in case of computer failure. There is nothing worse than losing important files due to lack of a back up system.

When a hard copy is needed, print one from the computer stored file. When it is necessary to keep files stored in a file cabinet, incorporate a filing system that functions with ease. It is necessary to locate documents quickly and easily. Do not rely on memory. Avoid broad subjects or you will be thumbing through pages of documents looking for the one you need.

Avoid clutter like the plague

A messy desk is the sign of a busy person. Wrong!. A messy desk is the sign of a person who wastes valuable time looking for things. Keep it simple. Your all-inclusive planner and perhaps a hard file or two that you are using at the time, and special equipment and tools needed for your work should be all that is on your desk. Temporary items that you work with such as files and reference materials are returned to their respective places when finished with them.

Clutter is an enemy. The mind does not function well amidst clutter. For those with adhd, it can be debilitating. Everything gets lost. When this happens the mind all but shuts down. Thinking and focusing go out the window.

Designate a place for everything

Designate a place for everything and stick with it. For example, books go on shelves. Improvised book shelves can be devised quickly and inexpensively.The books that you use frequently each day should be within your reach. Less used books are kept away from your desk. When you finish with a book, it goes back to its designated place. When you finish with a file, it goes back to the file cabinet. Use it and put it back-a rule to turn into a habit.

Use the same system, a designated place for everything, out of the office as well as in the office. Wallet, handbag, tools, cooking goods, recipes, small appliances, remotes, keys . . .  .

 How often do you search for the car keys? They should only be in one of three places: in their designated place, on your person or the person you gave them, or in the car's ignition.

The basic rules:

• One planner system for keeping appointments, schedules, goals, addresses, phone numbers, messages, to do lists, plans and ideas
• Nothing written on loose paper
• No clutter
• Use your computer to store files whenever possible
• Assign a designated place for everything
• Return everything to its designated place when finished with it

Incorporating these ideas will remove the clutter in your life. It will prevent loss of needed information and physical goods. It will give you more time. The time wasted searching and looking for misplaced items becomes productive time. Time that you can enjoy with family, friends, or work.