Sometimes, it takes a little chaos to stay functional. On X, formerly known as Twitter, @ADHDForReal recently posted a screenshot of a TikTok call for people’s “most unhinged neurodivergent hacks. I don’t mean ‘set multiple alarms on your phone!’ I mean something you did that was truly unhinged but you don’t regret at all.” And the internet didn’t disappoint. Within hours, thousands of replies poured in, showcasing creative and often hilarious ways neurodivergent people manage their daily lives.
From using rubber duckies to force themselves to do the dishes to talking to themselves to ensure they don’t forget what they’re doing, the replies highlight how necessity fuels innovation. While some hacks feel oddly specific, many resonate across the ADHD, autism, and broader neurodivergent communities. These methods might sound silly, for many, they’re survival strategies.
What makes it hard for people who are neurodivergent to stay on task?
For people with ADHD, autism, or related conditions, everyday tasks often feel overwhelming. Executive dysfunction can derail routines, making time management, motivation, and memory unreliable. According to CHADD, ADHD affects brain activity linked to planning and prioritizing, which explains why traditional strategies don’t always work.
Moreover, sensory sensitivity and anxiety can make even small tasks tiring. Because of this, many neurodivergent people create systems that work with, rather than against, their brains.
Humor and community play roles here. While some replies are jokes, many reflect coping tools born from trial and error. Sharing them publicly helps others feel less alone, especially those newly diagnosed or undiagnosed.
Check out 23 of the funniest and most interesting unhinged neurodivergent hacks below:
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