ADHD and Reptile Keeping

[@ellesreptiles]

Another one I forgot to add! Alexa, or Siri, or Google Home, any kind of thing that can set reminders or timers hands-free and without moving are *chefs kiss*. I have Alexa devices throughout my house, and am constantly having her set timers and/or reminders. Ex. "Remind me at 2PM to pull out rats", "Remind me at 8PM to feed snakes", "Set a timer for 2 hours", "Set a timer for 10 minutes" Even something as simple as a timer just going off reminds me that I was in the middle of something.

[@lizardsofozz]

YES! I also use google calendar for somethings on top of having Alexa reminder/announcements. HUGE thing for anyone, yourself included. It is always ok to ask for help! ALWAYS. Whether it be someone to help you take care of things, or someone to help you organize your thoughts and help you focus in on an area, OR even just have an ear to get everything off your chest.

[@MatLyons-z3w]

I have Alexa set up to remind me to feed the Ball Python and Sand Boa. I remember to everything else, but always forget what day was feeding day! Lol

[@CatsandHatsCrochet]

These are such good tips, thank you! I am autistic and ADHD and have many of these same struggles. They’ve come with a lot of shame and self loathing, especially when I forget to do something for an animal. Knowing I’m not alone and that it’s okay to use tips like this really makes me feel validated, so thank you!

[@MaraJadeSkky]

I am getting assessed for ADHD next month...I'm 35 and just being a human is so difficult. For some reason it's easier to take care of my reptiles and dogs than it is to take care of myself.

[@laurenfarrell9104]

I have depression and oddly enough it’s the same for me. When I think of my animals I want to do the best for them. I want them to be happy because of the happiness they bring me when it’s actually difficult for me to be happy most of the time.

[@JupiterJamie]

I was diagnosed at 38... I completely fail at life.

[@kittyoffreedom408]

There’s a great KZbin channel called “How to ADHD” and I love their videos. I’m also not able to take medication and their videos have been great for me. A tip I got from that channel is to keep things at the “point of performance”, means in the place you’re going to use them. We have our food prep station, coffee station, etc. with everything there in one spot. Helps with distractibility as you don’t have to go wander for the tool you need and get distracted by another task. We also have whiteboards at each so we can have our lists right in our faces when we need to write something down or else we won’t write it down.

[@ariste01]

My dude definitely gets his salads earliers if i chop all my fruits and veggies when i get them rather than trying to chop up a few each morning. I have Tupperware crisper containers that really do keep stuff fresh longer and then i will freeze some stuff if it won't keep well in the fridge. He doesn't seem to mind and its so much easier for me to get up and moving if i know all i gotta do is throw stuff on a plate. (I really struggle with executive dysfunction and transitions)

[@joshuabrewer5397]

I have anxiety that has led to ADHD like symptoms. It's crazy how your entire video resonated with me. Impulse buying is something I struggle with too. Thankfully I have a list of bills to pay so those Pokémon plushies I bought last night didn't come out of my mortgage money. I like making routines, but following them is a whole different story. The huge issue I have with my anxiety/ADHD is making friends. It's hard to make friends when you're mind is always racing and finding "reasons people don't like you". I also have trouble when talking to people figuring out "is this appropriate" or "is this a bit too random?". If someone mentions a new deli in town I must stop myself from telling them all about ancient Roman curing techniques. I also have a tendency to hyper focus. If you ask me for a budget you'll find me 8 hours later still working on it, picking out the perfect font, trying to set up complicated formulas, trying to get the spacing juuuuuust right. It's like my anxiety tells me that what I make has to be absolutely perfect.

[@ellesreptiles]

Yes! All of this! The budgeting - I tend to also hyperfocus on everything. I even went through a "cash stuffing" hyperfocus when trying to budget.... And buying a bunch of cash stuffing things 😅 And definitely yes to the making friends part. I can convince myself that my best friend of 18 years no longer likes me, overnight. So making new friends almost always is a struggle of "idk if I should reach out because what if they don't actually like me and they were just being nice" And I definitely have a habit of "that's such an awesome story, here's my story that's related" and I always worry that it sounds like I'm one-upping, but I'm really just trying to relate 😬

[@LaurieSchneider-cu9vo]

This is me. So me. I was laughing when I read about picking out a font and spacing. What about colors? 😂

[@joshuabrewer5397]

@@LaurieSchneider-cu9vo My wife gets home "Hey how are the chores going?" oh god I'm so sorry I couldn't choose between Baskerville or Georgia and then I couldn't settle on a color scheme!

[@joshuabrewer5397]

​@@ellesreptiles I get the one-upping! If something happens to someone I have a habit of always trying to relate it back to something that happened to me. It doesn't help that sometimes I don't know what info I need to leave out haha

[@nifferscritters]

I’m audhd and the autistic side of my brain overcompensates for the adhd side and vice versa, but age, disability and meds have definitely made the adhd symptoms worse. I live 5mins away from a local reptile shop which has saved me when I find myself needing food/supplies last minute!

[@loispadgett6306]

Good advice even if you don't have ADHD. Sometimes cleaning is hard because of time so splitting chorus up can help. GOD BLESS 💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@alithorstad6206]

It's so comforting to know I'm not alone. So thank you. My major tip that works for me. . . I try to buy everything I can online. I just have to know brand sizes etc for sure. For some reason it keeps me in check. I can be deadly in a store with impulsivity. And those clearance end caps just call to me like a siren of the sea. LOL

[@RC_Murphy]

Dry-erase markers velcroed to the enclosure to write on the the glass what needs to be done as you notice it could work for some folks. To help with the cleaning-is-a-drag thing, I do a little re-arrange of Luka's stuff when I clean. It gives me something creative to look forward to and Luka gets a new path to stomp on every week or two. I also do a form of parallel-play (parallel-work?) where I'll put on YT videos of other reptile keepers maintaining their enclosures and get as much done in that 15-30 mins as possible. Sensory seeking via ordering stuff is another issue I deal with, but I think you have a solid plan here with replacing that want with something necessary. I also do the loose scheduling thing where I try to do big cleaning things on the same day each week, which also allows me a couple rest days between that and my physically taxing day job.

[@bunt5255]

I feel this whole video so much. Your whole story totally sounds like me. love your content.💜💜

[@brieENT]

I love the transparency I really feel seen and educated

[@sixteezchild]

I have not formally been diagnosed and likely never will, but I do take meds for anxiety and blood pressure. Im about to be 62 and I noticed when I got to be about 40, I could no longer keep a list in my head or remember what I've read, unless it is immediately afterwards when trying to recall it. Sometimes not even then. The calendars and reminder apps and phone alarms are a must! Otherwise I can't remember all I have to do in even 1/2 a day. Not sure if this is partially fibromyalgia, adhd, or partly to blame on menopause. I know one thing for sure, it is frustrating as all get out!

[@Japh]

Thank you for this!!! You've mentioned about ADHD in passing before, but then with all the stuff you cover in your videos I'm like "how?? couldn't be me!" so it's nice to see a little behind the curtain and, honestly, feel seen myself! Everything you said was sooo relatable. Thanks again! 👏

[@ellesreptiles]

Haha yea I definitely cut a lot of it out. I usually end up with about 30-45 minutes of video for a 12-15 minute final video 😅 So jealous of all those channels that can just sit down, talk, and upload.

[@juelz713]

Knowing your strengths, weaknesses, values, and passions can help you set meaningful goals that align with who you are

[@AuroraExotics]

I feel so seen with this video! I do things much the same way. My life is full of lists! I love my husbandry pro app. Body doubling is so helpful for staying on task. I have to have a podcast or music going while doing physical activities. Brain is so full of all the things all the time! The struggle is real! These are great tips for folks who know this battle. Cheers!

[@ellesreptiles]

Yay! I'm so glad the video resonated with you! 🥰 you're the second person I've seen mention "body doubling" I've never heard that term. What's it mean? 👀

[@AuroraExotics]

@@ellesreptiles You mentioned it in your video briefly but not with that term I think! It's helpful to have someone else in the room (or hanging out on video) while doing a task, they help focus and motivate. That person is considered a body double. :)

[@ellesreptiles]

⁠ooooooh! I didn't know there was term for that. You taught me something new - thank you!!!

[@AuroraExotics]

@@ellesreptiles Awesome! Love the knowledge exchange!

[@lunarchyld6793]

I find it helpful to feed or whatever I need to do before I sit down after work. I also try to do things while waiting for my food to cook as a little game. I have a bug subscription which arrives every month which is very helpful. Cleaning is hard for me also. I find I have more motivation when I have something else I don't want to do like dishes Procrastina-cleaning . As a 45 f with a very strong A.d.h.d, dyslexia and anxiety I will tell you hormones can amplify the symptoms of A.d.d as you get older. Keep your doctors informed. I have to see things to remember so there are notes and a calendar on my fridge. My reptiles are in a room I go in every day so I won't forget about them too.

[@LaurieSchneider-cu9vo]

My current favorite tool is timers. I am going to do dishes for 5 minutes. Set a timer. I am going to pay bills for 15 minutes. Timer. It makes unpleasant tasks easier for me because they are finite; I can stop when the timer goes off. I use the timer on my phone & watch and I have several pomodoro timers around the house. I learned about body doubling last spring and it is really helpful. You should host a reptile room body doubling session for feeding, cleaning, maintenance, or whatever. A Patreon perk. 😊

[@dacisky]

LOL! My phone is a glorified timer.

[@Skylamander522]

Okay but listening to audiobooks while cleaning the reptile tanks is such a good idea because I am always putting it off!

[@alittlebluebird9393]

Great video Elle !! I am 52 adhd and autism. A body double is a huge help !!

[@ellesreptiles]

I'm not sure if I'm autistic. I haven't officially been diagnosed, but my family and friends seem to think I am, and it runs in my family What do you mean by a body double? 👀 I'm super interested

[@Herbex7]

She makes a great point about impulsively buying reptile supplies and having a budget. I find myself able to have animals for the first time since I was a young adult, and I've been breaking the bank on them. And it's not financially feasible. I'm finally having to take a chill pill on the animals and I still find myself buying stuff all the time. I come home with a new tank atleast like every week.

[@BigDuTv]

Your videos just mades my day!!!😊

[@ellesreptiles]

Thank you so much, and I'm glad to help 💜

[@VeronicaLeigh79]

My tip to help with impulse buying animals is to impulse buy other things instead. This is why I have a crocheted spider and a necklace with a snake-shed face instead of a new baby gecko.

[@lizardsofozz]

Oh man I'm so glad you talked about this. I too have ADHD (along with anxiety and depression). Also holy heck I met my husband in 2012 and he too said the same dang thing about me xD I wasn't diagnosed until I was 35 (2019). One thing that has helped me is watching channels like Midwest Magic Cleaning, Aurikaterina, A Beautiful Mess, Coline Cleans. It all started with Midwest Magic Cleaning. He gets it. He really does and he's a pretty cool genuine guy. I've also been trying to set everything up similar to what you see many reptile tubers do with lots of automatic things, but I've been struggling with that. I'll be honest part of that is because I'm afraid of failure, and the other part is that at one point I did get over capacity for what was going on in my life and it was just about survival mode for me personally. Asking for help is something important for all of us. If you are overwhelmed it is ok to ask for help. A tip I've learned from Midwest Magic Cleaning is focusing on 3ft at a time. Small chunks. You aren't cleaning all of the enclosures, you are cleaning the glass or you are gathering bowls. There are so many things I'd love to talk about if you ever want to chat Elle! Also, I understand why you can't take the stimulant type of ADHD medication (adderall etc), have you tried the non-stimulant ones? They may be something worth looking into. They don't work for me so I'm on ritilin or adderall pending on what the pharmacy has available. BUT there are a few options in non-stimulant that may work for ya.

[@YochevedDesigns]

SO RELATABLE! I find it near impossible to stick to rigid schedules, but I do make sure that important things get done. One thing I absolutely despise is washing the dishes, so I let them pile up until I just put on a podcast and power through them. I also have a wonderful combo of ME/CFS/fibromyalgia/long Covid. I have to parcel out my energy VERY carefully, or I will end up bed bound for days afterward.

[@Ylime00120]

I love the idea of LOOSE routines. Thank you for putting that into words and sharing examples! I'm getting tested for adhd this fall and really appreciate you sharing your experience and tips.

[@ethanray-louisvilleaquasca3553]

I have inattentive ADHD (diagnosed at 35). I can’t say enough good things about Husbandry Pro. Keeps me on top of everything, from forgetting who’s due for feedings, and I nerd out on data with our reptiles. Was the game changer I needed for us!

[@MoPets888]

EXCELLENT SUGGESTIONS FOR THOSE WITH OR W/O ADHD !! thank you for your help! Routine is key for me and kiddos too! God bless you, Julie

[@dacisky]

I'm starting to suspect I might have adhd...Watching this plus snake therapy does make me wonder. I do have a budget and seldom buy things at reptile or pet shops cause I'm astoundingly picky and only get what I really need.(Yes,I always have a list.). Pretzel, will be my last pet. I've always been careful not to stress myself out by getting more and more animals. I've always had a few animals and lavished on them. A pet has to die before it's replaced. I've done that with rats,mice,house bunnies ,etc. I got your card and thanks for the stickers,especially the hog wild one!🤗💞

[@catfrog1975]

Watched this while doing my dishes! 😁 Thanks for sharing your experience and tips!

[@laurennathan1784]

You are such an inspiration in this community!! I absolutely love your channel and hope to grow my channel to be like yours! ❤

[@nyves104]

I'm sorry to hear that you haven't been able to take meds for your adhd, especially after having the help for so long. I can't imagine the struggle of needing to find non-medicated systems that work for you on top of stroke recovery. From one spoonie to another, I hope you find something that makes it easier

[@ellesreptiles]

Thank you so much 💜 you are too kind. Also, off topic, the dog in your profile picture looks like my mom's dog 🥰 so cute

[@nyves104]

@@ellesreptiles aww thanks! that's my Chihuahua I found in the street almost 9 years ago, his name is Frodo and he is the sweetest little boy

[@kyle-tx7ce]

I’ve got adhd and autism I was on medication for adhd from 6 years old stopped taking them at 16 because the side effects are not worth it made me feel like a different person am now 27 and being doing better without them I don’t suggest medicine in my personal experience

[@VeronicaLeigh79]

So glad I'm not alone. ❤

[@davephillips8642]

Happy Sunday Elle, hope you are doing well!!! Nobody should ever let anyone with a disability affect them. I have a learning disability and everyone said I would never become a Firefighter and I ended up passing my Volunteer course in Ohio!! You may have to work a little harder but you do an absolutely amazing job!!!

[@ellesreptiles]

That's so cool! Did you recently pass the course or have you been a firefighter for a while? Either way, congrats!!! 🎉

[@davephillips8642]

@ellesreptiles it was back in 1999 after I graduated from high school. I didn't let anything stop me and I accomplished it. Just like you are doing now!!

[@ms.hannah9590]

When I have a task I really need to remember, I will leave things pertaining to the task literally in my way, like in the middle of the walkways, or hanging at eye level if I can. That way I see it for sure, and it doesn't blend in with the rest of my chaos, and I usually remember to do the thing 😅

[@ms.hannah9590]

Had to pause at impulse buying to say HIIIII!!! I'm a fellow ADHD reptile mom, and this video is me to a T! Impulse buying got me because I just recently impulse bought 500 super worms, 1000 giant worms and 1000 crickets (plus a variety of 3 different soft bodied worms) for 1 bearded dragon 🙃🙈 I realized how overkill when they all arrived 😬 Thank you for doing these videos and offering valuable insight to us newbies! 💜💜💜

[@TehBuggy]

Great tips! Checklists are the biggest help for me. I have OCD and ADHD, my OCD makes me recheck and doubt if I actually did the thing, and my ADHD makes the fear seem reasonable because I DO get distracted and forget things 😂 My brain is on a constant loop of “Did I forget to feed my snake? Or did I remember to feed him and forget to write it down?” Now I keep a magnetic dry-erase board and marker on my freezer so as soon as I take the mouse out, I check it off at the exact same time. I still doubt my memory and often go downstairs to double-check the board, but I know I can trust my checklist more than my memory.

[@alittlebluebird9393]

I also meant to write if buying impulse is an issue. USE cash only. Allow your self an allowance per month. I have 100$ in my wallet. I don't like to spend it ( weird brain tick) so whatever I buy must be something I really need

[@ellesreptiles]

Yes! I did cash stuffing for a while, and it was definitely helpful to be able to see the actual cash, because just looking at numbers on a screen means very little to my brain 😅

[@alittlebluebird9393]

@@ellesreptiles haha !!! My brain 🧠 I got $$ ! Spend it ... when it's on my debt card

[@sam8589]

I keep sticky notes on all 3 of my gecko enclosures with what day of the week they get diet/insects. Also buying enrichment for your current reptiles helps with impulse buying a new reptile

[@crazycritterlady88]

Thank you so so so much for this video. ❤️ The one thing that has helped with my impulsive shopping recently is asking myself, "do you REALLY need that?" Like, truly thinking about it. And if I can't decide, then I start shopping for stuff for my pets instead 😅 Probably a silly thing, but it seems to help. 🤷‍♀️

[@rin-eri]

Hello elle! I love the video. So I’m going to leave a nice long comment to boost your video for the KZbin algorithm gods! I know it’s hard as a content creator to get the videos you worked so hard on to get going with the algorithm. So hopefully this comment gets it on its way. I used to leave really short comments just saying “hi” or “

[@hannahworley3336]

Thanks for making this video!

[@sjmccleese]

Thanks for sharing ❤

[@risingsunautomotive2346]

This video was awesome I stopped taking my meds about a year ago too and it is a struggle managing all my reptiles

[@jeremys553]

First off, for the horde! lol. This video spoke to me though, before I understood my own mental health, I had a very large amount of reptiles. It got to the point where I just felt overwhelmed and totally left the hobby for a few years, gave all my animals away. I just didn't feel I was able to provide the appropriate amount of care, for how many I had. A few years later, and having a better understanding on my ADHD, I got back into the hobby, but preset limits for myself. Mine currently being 4 animals is the maximum, because I know I am impulsive, and could easily slide back to where I was, but I don't want that to happen again. Also I find snakes are a lot easier for me to keep, especially species that are awake when I am. Snakes are pretty low maintenance as is, but also something about them moving around and being out when I am up, kinda encourages me even more to make sure husbandry is up to par. I'm at 3 animals now, and planning for my 4th and final reptile, but I'm making sure I give myself adequate time before getting it, to make sure it's not impulsive, and it's something I'm willing to commit to. Just gives me more time to research and plan, plus researching a new species is always fun for me.

[@brenleighbaggett9479]

This video is so helpful

[@sincitychild323]

Literally listening to this video as I work on this bioactive background for my ball python😂

[@buffalojoe78]

Above all, PERMANENCE. I have such a hard time with remembering that something exists and that I have to take care of it. In other peoples cases it’s forgetting to eat those grapes and the apples that you put in the crisper. For me it was forgetting that my snakes needed food. Because they weren’t in my face every single time I walked through the door. They were in another room that we set aside. It has led to a few accidents and I’ve been banned from getting any new snakes.

[@MaraJadeSkky]

Ahhh a video made specifically me!

[@nicolepettis5533]

I also have list I make when I need to get things for my animals and I even right a list for food shopping I forget a lot also

[@Basskingdom7]

I have it too! It’s a struggle but writing things down really helps and not having sugar which makes it worse. Btw your videos are amazing!!! Love your Corn Vids! What editing program do you use?

[@Megladden01]

Four of my siblings have adhd, and I so wish they would do stuff like this! One is a stubborn young adult, and the other three are kids, but still...

[@Dragonemperess]

I listen to my music in Chipmunk/Nightcore mode (x1.3 speed and +6.0 Tone. I like the Stellio app on Android for this since it stores my other fun settings like Darth Vader and Girl to Boy) while doing things. It makes my brain focus on that while I do stuff.

[@JK-vy8vh]

I had a impulse experience with snakes, specifically recently. Already have a large collection. I at least thought about things with my collection. Recently lost 3 snakes to genetic issues I was attached to them it messed me up. Recently I bought 8 snakes. I spent money I shouldn’t have. I don’t know what I was thinking of course I’m done buying reptiles Thankfully things are under control and in a few months and I’ll make the money back because it’s busy but right now I’m feeling heavy anxiety even doing regular keeping tasks and this is not usual for me.

[@pareyn]

:D we got a lot adhd stuff in common😆 luckely the impulsive purchases i can avoid. But the lists are a good idea but i dont always feel like following my list.😅

[@nicolepettis5533]

I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was a child and it is so hard to concentrate a lot at time

[@revlaunb1876]

Whatttt You only look like your 25! I feel you, though I try to have a list on my phone and on my fridge. I didn't think to use my phone calendar. Bc my snake is having a rough time shedding everything she is shedding. I ended up forgetting when she started and how long it's been.. then I panic and freak out.. I only have 2 pets, my 🐈 and my 🐍. I have felt bad bc I have been paying more attention to my 🐍 and my 🐈 was being nagected on a physical level.

[@Allendavid79]

This is a great video! For those interested check out Snake Therapy with Shira Loa

[@MatLyons-z3w]

Most of this describes me to a T (even though I was diagnosed at 6 with it) So on the concept of impuls buying..... We have a con coming up and my wife gave me a decent budget for it. The problem is I don't know what to get, for the size tank I have to fill. I have a 18x18x12 front opening tank I just moved my Sand Boa out of. Other than a Pacman frog, what would go comfortably in that cage?

[@poochiew.9302]

If you live in a state where marijuana is legal, perhaps give that a try? Or maybe CBD oil or an alternative cannabis product? I know my sister used CBD oil to help with her anxiety. BTW a lot of the people I watch have ADHD. I find people with ADHD to be the most creative and interesting people to watch!

[@MatLyons-z3w]

Hey I have a quick question. I want to get some cresties and try my hand at Bioactive enclosures. My wife is against this do to bugs, and her fear the isopods will escape. Is this a real concern, or will they not try to climb out and just live in the soil?

[@LaylasLeglessRescue]

I think the most important thing is -----HEY LOOK!!!! A SQUIRREL!!!!!-----

[@Snake_Therapy]

Hi Elle! I'm happy to see more keepers talking about this topic. I'm a small channel in comparison to yours, but I've been focusing a lot on Reptiles and Neurodiversity recently, and I'd be interested in speaking with you about it if you were interested. I put out a survey to collect data on it a few months ago, had a great response, and have been interviewing some of the respondents- some of which has turned into episodes. (There's a playlist on my channel of all the episodes related to it) It also looks promising that some of the information I've gathered thus far may be a good foundation for more developed and published research. Please check it out if you're at all curious, and let me know if you'd like to chat!

[@nathanieldeboyo5537]

I don’t have adhd but I do have autism Decided to download reptilebuddy but tend to forget to actually add stuff on there

[@triple_A_rockhound]

No way you Easly distracted 🤔🤣 no way