A New Reminder System You Wear on Your Wrist (That Isn’t a Watch)
WristLists is a simple tool for people with ADHD to remember to take medication, pack up their backpacks, or anything else they need to be reminded about.
Every year, more “reminder tools” hit the ADHD market, ranging from smartphone apps to vibrating watches. These tools vary in effectiveness — and affordability — and many people with ADHD hesitate to try another complex reminder system to help them keep track of medication, school supplies, or other things that we often forget.
A new product called WristLists calls itself a “game changer,” simplifying the reminder system by nudging users’ attention toward the things that are most important to them. WristLists are solid color silicone bands that can be personalized with laser-engraved metal plates. The plates can say anything you want — from “take your medication” to “write down your homework” — and fit up to five short lines of text. By seeing the reminder every time you glance at your wrist, the company claims, you’ll be able to keep better track of the things you tend to forget, without drawing unnecessary attention to yourself or your ADHD challenges.
But does it work? Ryan Lonnett, the co-founder of WristLists, swears it does. He writes on the website that he was inspired to create WristLists when he noticed that one of his three children struggled to remember tasks or keep track of her things. Shortly after, she was formally diagnosed with ADHD.
Lonnett met with an ADHD counselor, who recommended tackling the problems of disorganization and forgetfulness early, as many children with similar challenges struggle with self-esteem by the time they reach adulthood. Worried about side effects, Lonnett and his wife were hesitant to try medication. Instead, he says, he designed the first WristList – and saw quick results.
“Our child stopped losing stuff and forgetting to do things,” he writes. “With a subtle nudge to redirect attention and improve focus, she was completing daily routines and tasks with the help of this attractive little wrist checklist. Confidence grew and everyone involved was happier!” Other reviews, written by parents, young adults, and senior citizens, echo this success. A focus group conducted by George Mason University resulted in “immediate and compelling results for every candidate tested.”
The unobtrusive design — each WristList is a solid color with silver or black plates — seems ideal for those who don’t want to draw attention to the band. If you prefer a little more flair, however — or if wordy reminders don’t do the trick for you — you can purchase additional “badges” with brightly colored cartoons representing tasks, needed supplies, and more.
The website links to downloadable “rulers,” so customers can measure their wrist size before purchasing a WristList. The basic WristList (also known as the “Slim” model) starts at $19.99, and the most expensive “Black Belt Elite” model tops out at $26.99.
