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Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

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221–230 of 264 posts

Re: Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

#221
This is a really nifty idea! I like the fact that you guys are combining teletherapy with also an app that gives more actionable things to follow. Definitely one of the hardest things about going to therapy was actually practicing the things we'd talk about during the session.

As many have already pointed out, the price point is definitely high, but I think you guys can need to target a wealthier audience in the beginning before being able to make all your resources accessible to everyone.

Re: Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

#223

Oh look: another service that thinks ADHD is an inability to do scheduling or some other bullshit. ADHD is literally a neurological disorder that effects dopamine in the brain. It reduces wakefulness, concentration, the ability to filter out distractions, and the ability to motivate yourself. A software solution won't fix this. What ADHD people need isn't a normie couch to tell them to 'prioritize' differently or a b…

I work with a psych and take the stimulants, and still struggle. Medication is only half the battle. I would recommend checking out Andrew Huberman's podcast episode on ADHD. Basically, as I understand, the medication "smooths out" the pathways that are "blocked" in the dopamine system. Once medicated, I think a treatment plan like this would be very helpful for me and for others.

Re: Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

#224
post #170

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Wooooaah. I don't know about this service, but I feel there would be a lot of value in having a person to bounce things off in real time / help with unblocking when things get challenging. Would that also be complete bullshit? Are prescribed stimulants the only thing that's not bullshit?

Hire a virtual assistant, not a virtual therapist. This virtual therapist costs $99 for 60 minutes of assistance. 15 minutes a week is too little time to bounce ideas off of someone. But you can buy 5-10 hours of virtual assistance with that money, or more. A service that provides virtual assistance for ADHD ppl - without the veneer of medical treatment to raise prices - could be a lot more affordable and helpful in…

Do you have any recommendations on VA services? Thank you

Re: Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

#225
I’ve been in a special program for adhd through Duke University. Treatment is not supposed to be meds OR coaching, it’s meds AND coaching. While I do appreciate having a team psychiatrist, psychologist, and medical the biggest asset is the flexibility of treatment. CBT techniques did not work for me and the workbook was not a good fit, having a team of specialists that I can contact at any time has been key. Some people can do it with just medication or CBT but most cannot. Another issue is the lack of inclusion of comorbid diagnosis which is more common than not with adhd patients. Getting the diagnosis is great it can be liberating but it can also be traumatic especially when the diagnosis is medication only. It is often the case that developers making the apps narrow the demographic to the point of no real benefit. I personally have often wished for more services such as financial management, meal planning, and work. Apps themselves are limited by the data structures as well. Most adhd patients do not think linearly and it is a disservice to force that on to us. CBT for me was masking heavy which often affects physical health and has been shown to shorten already shorter average life spans significantly. CBT can be harmful and I am wondering why it was chosen. Mindfulness as well is problematic for individuals with adhd.

Re: Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

#226

Oh look: another service that thinks ADHD is an inability to do scheduling or some other bullshit. ADHD is literally a neurological disorder that effects dopamine in the brain. It reduces wakefulness, concentration, the ability to filter out distractions, and the ability to motivate yourself. A software solution won't fix this. What ADHD people need isn't a normie couch to tell them to 'prioritize' differently or a b…

Exactly my thoughts too. This reads as yet another scam product targeting ADHD folks, just like Inflow and similar.

I would very much like such 'entrepreneurs' to stop trying to profit from my disability. If they had something actually useful to sell, they'd engage with health service providers. Instead they try to fool the individual with promises of success and happiness.

It's disgusting and predatory, and sours me even more towards the VC types that think this is a worthwhile type of business to invest in.

Re: Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

#227
I just started with Shimmer and I'm loving it so far. The coach they paired me with is wonderful. I feel like she really gets me. I had a 30-minute video call with my coach where she asked a lot of questions to get to know me and my challenges. We mapped out a plan to work on those challenges and she gave me action items at the end to work on before our next call. She texted to check in and has been asking questions throughout the week. I have my 2nd session tomorrow and I'm really excited. I've tried traditional coaches in the past and it cost $100 per week/session. This is way more affordable and the fact that we can keep in touch between sessions adds so much value. Overall I'm loving Shimmer!

Re: Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

#228
You're better off with a GP for med management and a licensed CBT therapist who has a deep understanding of Barkley's take on adhd. Literally decision fatigue minimalization, externalization of task salience and planning, and proper medical management. I appreciate the attempt to monetize what Barkley regards as compassionate helpers, but with adhd, the vigilance is way to high already--read bullshit meter.

Re: Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

#229

Oh look: another service that thinks ADHD is an inability to do scheduling or some other bullshit. ADHD is literally a neurological disorder that effects dopamine in the brain. It reduces wakefulness, concentration, the ability to filter out distractions, and the ability to motivate yourself. A software solution won't fix this. What ADHD people need isn't a normie couch to tell them to 'prioritize' differently or a b…

Totally agree on bullshit detector event alarm.

Re: Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults

#230

Oh look: another service that thinks ADHD is an inability to do scheduling or some other bullshit. ADHD is literally a neurological disorder that effects dopamine in the brain. It reduces wakefulness, concentration, the ability to filter out distractions, and the ability to motivate yourself. A software solution won't fix this. What ADHD people need isn't a normie couch to tell them to 'prioritize' differently or a b…

My friend it is you who should consider being ashamed. Suggesting stimulants as the first line of treatment rather than cardiovascular exercise, good sleep, and a healthier relationship with food is at best dismissive of the body of modern research and at worst introduction of a dangerous 'just pop a pill' crutch. Stimulants are not at all the only way out of the ouroboros of adhd symptoms making today hard and tomor…

Listen, if you are people reading this with adhd, don't listen to me, don't listen to this guy, don't listen to OP. Find an expert in adhd. Make sure they understand what executive function disorder means. Listen to them. Please don't suffer with this. It's not your fault.
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