Cognitive Facts About ADHD That Shape the i-have-adhd Output Rules

The i-have-adhd skill codifies ten specific output rules in SKILL.md that directly counteract executive-function challenges like limited working memory, high distractibility, and impulsivity by enforcing numbered, bite-sized actions with time estimates.

The ayghri/i-have-adhd repository translates clinical cognitive facts about ADHD into executable prompt engineering constraints. By analyzing how working memory limitations and attention regulation difficulties manifest in the rule definitions, developers can understand why the skill mandates terse, structured outputs that prioritize immediate action over explanatory prose.

Limited Working Memory Drives Numbered Brevity

People with ADHD often struggle to hold multiple pieces of information in mind simultaneously. To counteract this, Rules 2-4 in skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md require every response to be numbered, short, and completely free of tangential information. Each step must be easy to retain in short-term memory without cognitive load.

High Distractibility Requires Immediate Hooks

External and internal distractions can interrupt focus without warning. Rule 1 forces the assistant to lead with the next concrete action rather than context or explanation, immediately grabbing attention before the user’s focus shifts. This "action-first" protocol ensures the most critical information reaches the user during their window of availability.

Impulsivity and Quick Closure Demand Time Boxing

Users with ADHD prefer rapid, decisive guidance over open-ended exploration. Rule 6 mandates specific time estimates (e.g., "≈ 5 min") for every task, while Rule 9 caps all lists at five items maximum. These constraints deliver bite-sized, finishable chunks that provide the dopaminergic reward of completion and prevent task abandonment.

Text Overwhelm Eliminates Preambles

Large blocks of prose overwhelm working memory and trigger avoidance. Rule 8 requires matter-of-fact error statements without apology or justification, and Rule 10 explicitly forbids preambles, recaps, or closers. The output begins immediately with actionable content and ends when the last step is delivered.

Visual Organization Through State Restatement

Structured layouts aid comprehension when executive function is impaired. Rule 5 requires restating the current state at the beginning of each turn, while Rule 7 mandates making wins visible through clear status indicators. This creates a scannable, predictable structure that reduces the cognitive overhead of tracking conversation context.

The Rule Architecture in SKILL.md

The complete specification resides in skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md, which defines the ten concrete rules mapping directly to the cognitive facts above. The README.md file provides the "ADHD-friendly outputs" tagline and installation context, while plugin.json describes the metadata required for Claude and Codex integration.

Installing and Activating the Skill

The repository supports two agent platforms. Install the skill using the appropriate marketplace commands:

# Claude Code (plugin marketplace)

claude plugin marketplace add ayghri/i-have-adhd
claude plugin install i-have-adhd@i-have-adhd

# Then type /i-have-adhd in a Claude session

# Codex (plugin marketplace)

codex plugin marketplace add ayghri/i-have-adhd --ref main
codex plugin add i-have-adhd@i-have-adhd

# Then type $i-have-adhd in a Codex session

When active, the skill produces output following the constrained format:

1. Open `src/auth.ts`.
2. Replace the `verifyToken` function (lines 42-58) with the latest snippet.
3. Run `npm test -- auth.spec.ts` (≈ 3 min).
4. Verify the tests pass.
5. Next step: commit the change.

This example demonstrates Rule 1 (immediate action), Rules 2-4 (numbered, concise steps), and Rule 6 (time estimate), while obeying Rule 9 (five items maximum) and Rule 10 (no closing fluff).

Summary

• Limited working memory is addressed through numbered, short responses without tangents (Rules 2-4).
• High distractibility is countered by leading with the next concrete action (Rule 1).
• Impulsivity and need for closure are managed via time estimates and five-item caps (Rules 6 and 9).
• Text overwhelm is prevented by eliminating preambles and recaps (Rules 8 and 10).
• Visual organization is enforced by restating state and highlighting wins (Rules 5 and 7).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which file defines the specific output rules for the i-have-adhd skill?

The file skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md contains the ten specific rules that govern all output formatting. This file explicitly maps each constraint to cognitive challenges like working memory limitations and distractibility.

How does the skill accommodate working memory limitations?

Rules 2 through 4 require all responses to be numbered, strictly concise, and free of tangential information. This structure reduces the cognitive load required to hold task instructions in mind while executing steps.

Can the i-have-adhd skill be used with both Claude and Codex?

Yes. The repository provides installation commands for both agents in the README.md and INSTALL.md files, and the plugin.json metadata supports integration with both Claude Code and Codex plugin marketplaces.

Why are responses limited to five items maximum?

Rule 9 caps lists at five items to accommodate the impulsivity and need for quick closure common in ADHD. This prevents task paralysis by ensuring every list represents a finishable chunk of work that can be completed before attention wanes.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "instagit": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "instagit@latest"]
    }
  }
}