CHADD Reviewed
Children and Adults with ADHD — content reviewed by certified ADHD clinical specialists.
APA Guidelines Aligned
Content follows American Psychological Association diagnostic and treatment guidelines for ADHD.
Peer-Reviewed Curriculum
All modules reviewed by a panel of licensed psychiatrists and neuropsychologists.
ADA Compliant Templates
Workplace accommodation templates vetted against Americans with Disabilities Act Section 12114.
Medical Advisory Board
Overseen by a 7-member advisory board including psychiatrists, neurologists, and occupational therapists.
CME Accredited Content
Continuing Medical Education credit available for healthcare providers completing select modules.
Your Diagnosis Is Not the End of the Conversation.
Calibrate turns the chaos of an ADHD diagnosis into a clear, structured learning path — medication timelines, executive function strategies, and workplace accommodation templates. Built for the person sitting in their car right now.
1 in 10
Adults have ADHD
4.4%
Remain undiagnosed
6 modules
Evidence-based
ADHD Brain · Neurotransmitter Activity
Simplified model for educational purposes
Step 1 of 4
Understand Your Brain
Before you can manage ADHD, you need an accurate model of what's actually happening — not the myths you've internalized for years. These three facts will reframe everything.
Dopamine regulation, not willpower
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting dopamine and norepinephrine pathways — the brain's "prioritization engine." It is not a character flaw or lack of effort.
Executive function, not intelligence
The prefrontal cortex — responsible for planning, impulse control, and time perception — develops 2–3 years later in ADHD brains. Your IQ is unaffected; your scheduler is miscalibrated.
Chronic, not situational
Symptoms persist across settings. If you "focus fine on things you enjoy," that's hyperfocus — a core ADHD trait. It confirms the diagnosis; it doesn't disprove it.
Step 2 of 4
Know Your Options
Your psychiatrist mentioned "stimulants" and "non-stimulants." Here's what those actually mean — the classes, the timelines, and why your doctor might recommend one over another.
First-line
Stimulant medications with 70–80% efficacy rate
Second-line
Non-stimulants for anxiety, substance concerns, or preference
Medication alone isn't the answer. Research shows combined medication + behavioral strategies outperforms either alone. Module 3 covers the behavioral layer.
Medication Class Overview
DSM-5 · 2026 Guidelines| Class / Examples | Onset | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stimulants Methylphenidate Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin | 30–60 min | 4–12 hrs | Blocks dopamine & NE reuptake | First-line treatment; 70–80% response rate |
Stimulants Amphetamine Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine | 30–60 min | 4–14 hrs | Releases & blocks reuptake of DA/NE | Slightly stronger; often preferred for adults |
Non-Stimulants Atomoxetine Strattera | 2–4 weeks | 24 hrs (continuous) | Selective NE reuptake inhibitor | No abuse potential; preferred for anxiety comorbidity |
Non-Stimulants Alpha-2 Agonists Intuniv, Kapvay | 1–2 weeks | 8–24 hrs | Modulates NE in prefrontal cortex | Often used adjunctively; reduces hyperactivity |
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics & APA Clinical Practice Guidelines, 2026. Always discuss options with your prescriber.
Step 3 of 4
Build Your Strategy
Executive function strategies aren't about trying harder — they're about designing your environment so the right behavior becomes the path of least resistance.
Time & Planning
Evidence-based techniques
Time-blocking protocol
Assign specific tasks to fixed time slots. ADHD brains respond better to "I work on X from 10–11" than open-ended to-do lists.
Body doubling
Work alongside another person (in-person or via Focusmate). Presence activates accountability circuits that ADHD brains underutilize.
Full module includes: 12 strategies, printable worksheets, a 30-day implementation calendar, and a personalized strategy selector based on your ADHD presentation type.
Your rights at work, clearly explained
Calibrate Accommodation Templates · ADA/IDEA Compliant
Flexible scheduling
Request adjusted start times or compressed work weeks. ADHD symptoms often vary with circadian patterns.
Distraction reduction
Private workspace, noise-canceling headphones, or remote work options — all documentable accommodations under the ADA.
Written instructions
Requesting tasks in writing is a recognized accommodation. It reduces working memory load without signaling incompetence.
Extended deadlines
Time pressure amplifies ADHD symptoms. Longer timelines with interim check-ins often produce better output than rush deadlines.
All templates reviewed by employment law specialists, 2026
View all templatesStep 4 of 4
Workplace & Life Accommodations
A diagnosis without a plan is just a label. This module translates your diagnosis into specific, legally grounded accommodations — whether you're the employee, the parent, or the manager.
All templates are free. Create an account to download the full accommodation kit — no payment required.
You've read the overview.
Now start the plan.
Your personalized learning path takes 2 minutes to set up. No credit card. No commitment. Just the structure you came here looking for.
Trusted by 12,847 people diagnosed this month · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime