# How to Switch Between Normal Mode and ADHD Mode in i-have-adhd > Easily switch between normal and ADHD mode in i-have-adhd using simple commands or launch flags. Learn how to toggle modes and persist your settings for a better workflow. - Repository: [Ayoub Ghriss/i-have-adhd](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd) - Tags: how-to-guide - Published: 2026-08-06 --- **You can toggle between normal and ADHD mode using the `/i-have-adhd` command, the `/skill:i-have-adhd` alias, or the `--adhd` launch flag, with your preference persisted via the `i-have-adhd-state` session entry.** The `i-have-adhd` repository provides a Pi extension that injects ADHD-friendly response rules from [`skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md) into your model conversations. Understanding how to switch between normal mode and ADHD mode gives you precise control over when these behavioral guidelines are active in the context window. ## How the Mode Toggle Works Internally The extension tracks activation through a Boolean `enabled` state defined at lines 29-31 of [`extensions/i-have-adhd.ts`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/extensions/i-have-adhd.ts). When you initiate a switch, the `setEnabled()` function (lines 59-65) updates this state, triggers `updateStatus()` to refresh the UI badge (lines 7-16), and invokes `syncContext()` (lines 86-99) to manage rule injection. The `loadRules()` function reads the actual guidelines from [`skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md) at lines 45-55, while `getSavedState()` (lines 62-74) persists your preference using a custom session entry named `i-have-adhd-state`. ## Methods to Switch Between Normal and ADHD Mode You can toggle the mode using three distinct approaches depending on whether you want temporary, explicit, or persistent activation. ### Using the /i-have-adhd Command Run `/i-have-adhd` without arguments to toggle the current state, or use `/i-have-adhd on` and `/i-have-adhd off` to explicitly set the mode. This command invokes `setEnabled()`, which updates the stored Boolean state and synchronizes the conversation context through `syncContext()`. ### Using the Skill Alias Shortcut Type `/skill:i-have-adhd` exactly to immediately enable ADHD mode. The input handler at lines 2-4 of [`extensions/i-have-adhd.ts`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/extensions/i-have-adhd.ts) treats this as a direct shortcut to activation, bypassing the standard toggle logic. ### Persistent Activation via Flags and Configuration Launch Pi with the `--adhd` flag or create an empty file named `.i-have-adhd-always` in your agent directory. During session restoration, the `restoreState` logic at lines 50-53 checks `pi.getFlag("adhd")` and `existsSync(alwaysOnFlag)` to automatically enable the mode for all new sessions until the file is removed. ## Disabling ADHD Mode and Stop Phrases To return to normal mode, run `/i-have-adhd off` or simply `/i-have-adhd` to toggle off. Alternatively, type the stop phrases "stop adhd mode" or "normal mode"—the input handler processes these at lines 7-14 to disable the mode and prevent further rule processing. ## Practical Code Examples Enable ADHD mode temporarily: ```bash /i-have-adhd on ``` Toggle the current state: ```bash /i-have-adhd ``` Use the skill shortcut: ```bash /skill:i-have-adhd ``` Launch with ADHD mode enabled by default: ```bash pi --adhd ``` Create the always-on flag file: ```bash touch $(pi get-agent-dir)/.i-have-adhd-always ``` ## Summary - The extension maintains a Boolean `enabled` state at lines 29-31 of [`extensions/i-have-adhd.ts`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/extensions/i-have-adhd.ts) to track the current mode - **Command method**: Use `/i-have-adhd` to toggle, or `/i-have-adhd on/off` for explicit control - **Shortcut method**: Type `/skill:i-have-adhd` to quickly enable ADHD mode via the input handler - **Persistent method**: Use the `--adhd` flag or create `.i-have-adhd-always` for automatic session activation - **Context management**: Switching triggers `syncContext()` (lines 86-99) to inject custom messages of type `i-have-adhd-rules` or `i-have-adhd-disabled` into the conversation ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Where does the extension store my ADHD mode preference? The extension persists your preference across sessions using a custom session entry named `i-have-adhd-state`. According to the source code in [`extensions/i-have-adhd.ts`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/extensions/i-have-adhd.ts), the `getSavedState()` function scans the session branch for this entry at lines 62-74 to restore your previous setting when starting a new conversation. ### What happens to the conversation context when I switch modes? When you switch modes, `syncContext()` checks whether rules currently exist in the context via `rulesAreInContext()` (lines 86-99). If enabling ADHD mode, it sends a custom message of type `i-have-adhd-rules` containing the loaded guidelines from [`SKILL.md`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/SKILL.md). If disabling, it sends `i-have-adhd-disabled` to remove the constraints from the model's working context. ### Can I make ADHD mode the default for all my sessions? Yes. Create an empty file named `.i-have-adhd-always` in your agent directory, or consistently launch Pi with the `--adhd` flag. During session restoration at lines 50-53 of [`extensions/i-have-adhd.ts`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/extensions/i-have-adhd.ts), the extension checks for this file using `existsSync(alwaysOnFlag)` or verifies the flag value via `pi.getFlag("adhd")` to automatically enable the mode. ### How do I know if ADHD mode is currently active? The extension displays a status badge showing `● ADHD ON` when the mode is enabled. The `updateStatus()` function at lines 7-16 of [`extensions/i-have-adhd.ts`](https://github.com/ayghri/i-have-adhd/blob/main/extensions/i-have-adhd.ts) manages this visual indicator, updating immediately whenever you switch between normal mode and ADHD mode.