What's a body double? In the movies, it's an actor who stands in for the leading man or woman during certain shots. But in the world of attention-deficit disorder, a body double is someone who sits with a person with ADD as he tackles tasks that might be difficult to complete alone.
Many people with ADD find it easier to stay focused on housework, homework, bill paying, and other tasks when someone else is around to keep them company. The body double may just sit quietly. He may read, listen to music on headphones, or work on the task that the person with ADD is working on. Hard work is simply more fun when someone else is nearby.
A body double could be someone who lives with the person who has ADD - a roommate, spouse, or parent. Depending on the task to be performed, the body double might be a sympathetic friend or another person with ADD. Body doubles can be helpful to people of all ages and in a wide range of situations - including the following five...
1. You need help with housework
Many women with ADD find chores easier to accomplish if they form a support group with other women who have ADD. Going house-to-house, cleaning with a team, seems to get the job done.
Next time you want to yell at your child to clean her room, try being a body double instead. Don't do the work for your child. Offer suggestions: "Remember, socks go in the top drawer," or "Balls go in the red box and hats on the shelf." Often, an encouraging adult's presence is all a child needs to stay on task.
2. You keep falling behind in paperwork
If you're having trouble paying your bills, filling out insurance forms, or completing other financial tasks, a body double can be a godsend.
3. You're determined to stick with an exercise regimen
It's easier to stick to a routine when a body double expects you to show up for workouts. Set up a time to run each morning, or schedule an exercise class together several days a week.
4. Your child has trouble with homework
Your presence in the room reminds your child that help is available, and provides the "brakes" that keep her from distractions. Feel free to offer an occasional encouraging word, but don't overdo it. You're not there to coach.
A body double can help college students, too. Set up a regular time and place to meet with the body double (typically several times a week in a library or another quiet place). If the student is late, the body double calls to remind her. The double could be a classmate doing his own coursework or a friend who just reads or listens to music on headphones.
5. A college student needs help eating right
College students with ADD often forget to stop for meals. Having a set time to eat with friends will help develop a regular routine. The student might even go grocery shopping with his body double for food to have on hand in the dorm.
