If you or your child with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD) finds it too easy to lose track of time when engrossed in a favorite pursuit, you might benefit from some technological assistance. Michael Sandler, director of The Creative Learning Institute in Boulder, Colorado, suggests looking into the products below.
Alarm watches
These wristwatches can be programmed to generate multiple alerts. The 6-Alarm Vibrating AD/HD Timer Watch ($99.95) gives audible alarms, while the Watchminder Training and Reminder System for AD/HD ($69.00) vibrates and shows text messages. For more information, go to WatchMinder.
Reminder software
Many calendar programs, including the one bundled with Microsoft Outlook, can be set to generate a visual or audible alert (or even an e-mail). Programmable reminders are also available on Palm Pilots and other PDAs, as well as on certain iPod models. For more information on hand-held devices with built-in reminder functions, go to cnet.com or amazon.com, and type "PDA" into the search bar.
Kitchen timers
The latest models, available in digital and analog versions, are a far cry from the twist-and-set devices of old. Good timers can cost as little as $8.75 (the Round Digital Timer). The $12.95 Tel-Timer features a voice that periodically announces how much time is left. To see a selection of timers, go to maxiaids.com and type "timer" in the search bar.
Cell phone messages
Certain Internet service providers, including Yahoo and Hotmail, can be set to forward e-mail reminders to your cell phone.
Visual timers
These devices turn passing time into a visual image, making it more "real." The Time Tracker Visual Timer and Clock ($34.95 at onestepahead.com) is a 24-hour "traffic light" timer that can be programmed to shift from green to amber to red. The Time Timer ($30 at timetimer.com) is a 60-minute timer whose clock face turns from red to white as the minute hand counts down.
