AVA

AVA (Attention Variability Assistant) aims to assist young adults (aged 18 - 26) who have recently been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) during the post-diagnosis emotional period. After being diagnosed with ADHD, people can experience a variety of emotions — happiness, anger, grief, among others. Some people even experience feelings of regression, where all of their previous functions and habits are put into question.

To address this issue, I developed a resource kit and a website. The resource kit will be given to patients with their diagnosis and is made up of a subtly branded binder, an informational booklet of ADHD management strategies, and ADHD worksheets.

Worksheets

Four worksheets have been created to build the users understanding of the way their mind works and create new, helpful, behaviours and habits. 

The typographic highlights within the resources are designed to maintain the reader’s attention throughout the content.

Each worksheet has a digital and printable version. The printable version is optimised for use with the binder, and the digital worksheets are fully interactive. 

Informational Booklet

  • Includes various tips and tricks to help manage the user’s ADHD. 

  • Separated into four sections – productivity, mindset management, time management, and organisation. 

  • Each section has its own layout and colour to maintain the attention and interest of the user.  

Website

The website acts as a digital version of the informational booklet and houses the ability to download both digital and printable versions of the worksheets. 

The Impact

The information provided by the testing survey and user feedback showed an overall positive reception of the project. Indicating that the project was successful in relieving some of the mental stress associated with a new ADHD diagnosis. Based on the feedback and surveys the resource kit was able to achieve the following: 

  • Reduced mental distress surrounding the management of the users ADHD. 

  • Increased ability to manage their ADHD both now and in the future. 

  • Improved the user’s ability to comprehend written information. 

Expert Evaluation

Background

This expert evaluation was completed by an Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registered clinical psychologist who focuses on helping clients with complex needs.

Evaluation

This project is very appropriate for people with neurodivergence. Neurodevelopmental disorders are one of the most under-researched areas in adulthood, and there are few scaffolds for adults in terms of funding and support. This project addresses the need for symptom self-management for ADHD well, including using bionic reading to make the product user-friendly. 

Conducting further testing with a more diverse target audience can identify improvements that need to be made and how the impact can be scaled.