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Experiencing the Internet with ADHD – What’s It Like?

Experiencing the Internet with ADHD – What's It Like?

It’s totally understandable for most children to be diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). It’s seen as a collection of symptoms that can involve forgetfulness, having a hard time taking turns, as well as easily being distracted. It’s also perfectly normal for children to grow past these symptoms and become normally functioning teenagers and adults.

However, there are also times when ADHD becomes more of an issue as people grow older. With the internet the way it is, it’s fascinating to think about how someone with ADHD might experience the World Wide Web. Not only does it present a unique perspective, but it can also help businesses build websites that take the time to address what those with ADHD might be going through.

The Trouble with Distraction

There’s no denying that one of the most common ADHD symptoms is the inability to focus on a single thing for very long. If that sounds like it’s a lot of trouble to deal with, most people with ADHD would agree. The inability to focus can be challenging for individuals to work on projects and tackle work responsibilities. It also makes it frustrating for them to search for what they want from the internet, as it’s rarely a straightforward affair.

When it comes to aspects such as eCommerce, those with ADHD have an even more challenging time choosing the best products. They’ll constantly be distracted by the overall design of most websites, making it a frustrating experience all around.

How Company Websites can be More Accessible

For those that want to make things more accessible for individuals with ADHD, there are various ways you can get the job done. One of the most popular methods is the use of an accessibility overlay, filled with features such as text-to-speech, text size function, color contrast, and much more. Certain features of a website can be too difficult for someone with ADHD to focus on, which is why color contrast and text size matter. Some people also absorb information much easier through speech, and so text-to-speech exists.

While it might not seem like a big deal for most, keep in mind that a large percentage of people have disabilities one way or the other. It’s best to prioritize accessibility, as you’ll want to keep your site as convenient as possible.

A more Accessible Platform than Before

There was a time during the internet’s infancy when people with disabilities had to make do with whatever was there. People with ADHD had no choice but to conform — something that was much easier said than done. Fortunately, these days people with ADHD have a much easier time consuming their favorite media and scrolling through the internet. While it’s still filled to the brim with distractions, the features present in many websites give people a chance to personalize their experiences.

Conclusion

ADHD is not the easiest thing to manage, as it can be challenging to focus on what matters — especially on the internet. Fortunately, most business websites have made it easier than ever to scroll and find what you need through accessible features.