Launch HN: Shimmer (YC S21) – ADHD coaching for adults • Hacker News Board

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

#261

Post by GameOfFrowns » Tue, Nov 08, 2022, 7:03 PM UTC

adidiner wrote: post #260

I am shocked by the responses on this thread. It is clear just by reading this thread that there is a problem with treating ADHD. Research shows that the most effective treatment is a combination of medication and behavioral coaching. However, most people can not afford behavioral coaching, and insurance usually does not cover it. A founder encountered a problem that affects many people and set out to solve it. They…

Like you I was suprised by the amount of negative reception but I can sympathize with most of these people. The company failed at properly communicating their vision and USP regarding the experiences, hopes and fears of their target audience and animated checkbox diversity pictures on the website don't cut it.

I can't (and honestly don't want to) calculate the amount of late fees and forgotten continuing subscriptions I had to pay for over my lifetime. The advertised service seems comparatively expensive and not exactly scalable without the company cutting corners (3rd world call centers) or raising prices soon.

As the founder of iFocus Health you should take notes what went wrong here.

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

#262

Post by christalwang » Wed, Nov 09, 2022, 3:50 AM UTC

rtikulit wrote: post #218

Uptrenda wrote: post #164

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…

You are right that ADHD is a true neurological disorder that responds well to medication, but on everything else your are horrifyingly wrong. Medication alone is not a panacea for many people with ADHD and is most effective when coupled with better self understanding, self acceptance, and adoption of an ADHD-optimized lifestyle. I have ADHD, my kids have ADHD, and most of my friends have ADHD. Was on Vyvanse for 5 ye…

Thank you for sharing your personal experience.

The cliche "pills don't teach skills".

A mix of (or at least experimenting with) meds, skills, routines, potentially therapy... all good starting points but the key is to figure out what works for you. And we'll take all the help we can get! Each neurodiverse person is different and will likely respond to a different mix of solutions.

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

#263

Post by christalwang » Wed, Nov 09, 2022, 3:55 AM UTC

vunch wrote: post #226

Uptrenda wrote: post #164

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…

Thank you for your comment.

I am the 'entrepreneur' in question here (who also uses our ADHD coaching), and definitely do not want to profit from anyone's disability. I hope that comes through at some level! We are definitely in the process of engaging with health service providers but the unfortunate nature here is to get something innovative and tech-enabled out there, we first need to prove that it is helpful to folks (which is our mission anyway! By providing at-cost services while compensating our coaches, our main goal right now is to prove that we can help people with ADHD, like me!)

The also unfortunate reality is that there aren't enough therapists out there with ADHD specialization, especially once you filter for an individual's state/insurance. We know we're not the be all end all, but hopefully a useful stop to help gain some skills and routines for people with ADHD.

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

#264

Post by christalwang » Wed, Nov 09, 2022, 3:57 AM UTC

sadhd wrote: post #236

TurkishPoptart wrote: post #223

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

Have you watched Dr. Russell Barkleys series? https://youtu.be/sPFmKu2S5XY . I have actually done professional research into executive function and working memory--not a PhD but have one masters and nearly through another. His explanation lines up with the physiological psychology that I have learned.

Thank you for sharing!

I've done these 2 of Russell Barkley's free courses: http://www.continuingedcourses.net/active/courses/course109.... http://www.continuingedcourses.net/active/courses/course109....

I took notes on the former (here: https://shimmercare.notion.site/ADHD-in-Adults-Diagnosis-Imp...) but didn't get around to the latter.