Why adults also need visual routines

ADHD doesn't disappear when you turn 18. Many adults with neurodevelopmental disorders struggle with the same things as their children: starting tasks, maintaining focus, getting through the morning without chaos. Visual routines and timer support have the same effect on adult brains as on children's — it's just that most apps target either children or adults, rarely both.

Routined was born from a parent's perspective — but as an adult ADHD dad, I quickly noticed that the tool works just as well for oneself. Solo mode is the result of that.

What solo mode includes — and what is not included

Solo mode shares the same building system as routines for children. You have access to:

• Routine groups with schedules (days, start and stop times)
• Steps with visual support, description, and optional timer
• Checklists within steps
• Mood tracking before, after, or both — with the same intervals (daily, weekly, monthly)
• Display mode: Standard or Visual Support — you choose

The only thing NOT included in solo mode is the reward system. No stars, no money, no screen time linked to completed routines. As an adult, you rarely need external motivation in the same way — and the reward system is specifically designed for children.

Use cases for adults

Morning routine

Same principle as for children: break down the morning into steps, add timers where needed, check off. The difference is that you build the routine yourself — according to your needs, not what someone else thinks you should do.

Focus block (deep work)

Build a routine group called "Deep Focus" with a few steps: 90 min timer, a checklist with 3 goals for the session, a short break after. Like a Pomodoro tool but with visual elements and the ability to track patterns over time.

Exercise and habit building

The exercise routine can have visual support for each exercise, timers for breaks, and checklists with sets/reps. Especially good if you've recently learned a new program and need a visual reminder of what to do.

Evening routine / sleep support

Many adults with ADHD have sleep difficulties. An evening routine with fixed steps (charging phone, turning off lights, reading 10 min) helps the brain wind down. Combine with mood tracking to monitor how sleep is affected.

The difference from regular to-do apps

Regular apps (Todoist, Things, Notion) are list-based and require you to keep track of the order of things yourself. Routined's solo mode is schedule-based and step-by-step: routines are at the right time, and within each routine, you follow step-by-step. For brains that lose track between list items, the difference can be significant.

Dare you use the same app as your child?

Yes — it's even an advantage. Modeling structure in front of your children ("look, mom also uses routines") normalizes the tool. It's not a "kid tool you fix for me" — it's a tool we all use.