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What Planners Work for Teens with ADHD? 

ADHD planners for teens can be essential tools for improving organisation and time management. Teens with ADHD often struggle with prioritising tasks, staying focused, and meeting deadlines. The right planner can help them stay on top of assignments, reduce anxiety, and improve overall organisation. Whether using paper vs digital planners, finding the right tool to suit your teen’s needs is key to helping them manage their time effectively. 

Paper vs Digital Planners: Which Works Best? 

Paper Planners 

 Many teens with ADHD benefit from the tactile experience of a paper planner. A physical planner can be a great way to visually organise tasks, assignments, and deadlines. Look for planners with a simple layout, ample space for writing, and sections for specific tasks. Features like colour-coded sections, stickers, and prompts can make the process more engaging, helping your teen stay focused. 

Digital Planners 

For tech-savvy teens, digital planners may be more effective. Apps like Google Calendar, Todoist, or Notion offer flexible scheduling, reminders, and task management. Digital planners can be customised to send push notifications for upcoming tasks, helping teens stay on track throughout the day. Digital planners are perfect for teens who prefer using their phones or tablets to stay organised. 

Combination of Both 

Some teens benefit from using both paper and digital systems. For example, a paper planner for daily school tasks combined with a digital calendar for reminders about events, appointments, or deadlines can provide a comprehensive approach to organisation. 

Choosing the Right Planner for Your Teen 

When selecting an ADHD planner, it’s important to consider your teen’s preferences. A planner should feel intuitive and easy to use. Focus on school planning, task prioritisation, and organisation features to help your teen manage their academic life effectively. 

If you need help choosing the right ADHD planner for teens, visit providers like ADHD Certify for expert advice. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Time management and organisation.  

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Author

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.