As a late-diagnosed autistic woman with ADHD and OCD, navigating life has often felt like solving a puzzle without the picture on the box. Adding to that, I am also a carer for my two autistic children, one now 23 and the other 10, which means I’ve witnessed first-hand how much support, understanding, and technology have evolved over the years.

When I was growing up, assistive technology for neurodivergent people was practically non-existent. If you struggled with executive dysfunction, sensory overload, or social communication, the expectation was simply to “try harder” or “push through”. Today, things have changed. Not only is there greater recognition of neurodivergence, but we also have tools that actually help. And for our family, that has been life-changing.

Finding the Right Tools: A Game-Changer

For a long time, I didn’t realise how much assistive technology could help me. I assumed I just had to manage everything on my own, even though daily life often felt overwhelming, and I constantly felt like I was failing, even when I wasn’t. Once I was diagnosed, I started exploring tools that could support me, and the difference was immediate.

For my ADD, I rely heavily on time management and simple everyday apps for notes, scheduling, maps and calendars. Before I started using them, I would constantly forget appointments, struggle with task-switching, and feel guilty about not keeping up with everything. Now, with reminders, visual schedules, and colour-coded task lists, I can structure my day in a way that makes sense for my brain.

For my ASD and OCD, sensory-friendly technology has been invaluable. Noise-cancelling headphones help me block out overwhelming background noise, and blue-light filtering glasses reduce sensory fatigue from screens. Weighted blankets, which were once considered a niche item, are now widely available and have become an essential tool in our household.
But the real magic has been in finding tools that help not just me, but my children as well. Raising two autistic children, one born in the early 2000s and the other in the 2010s, has given me a front-row seat to how much has changed for neurodivergent people. When my eldest was younger, we had far fewer resources. School supports were minimal, and the few assistive technologies that existed were expensive and difficult to access. We relied mostly on trial and error, figuring out coping mechanisms on our own, often falling short of the support he needed.

Now, my 10-year-old has access to an entirely different world of support. He uses speech-to-text software to help with written communication, visual timers to ease transitions between tasks, and fidget tools to regulate sensory input. He also benefits from educational apps tailored for neurodivergent learners, something that was unheard of when my eldest was his age.

The biggest shift, however, has been in how we all interact with technology. My eldest, now an adult, uses tools to organise his thoughts and tasks, which has been instrumental in managing executive dysfunction. Meanwhile, my youngest is growing up in a world where assistive technology is not an afterthought but an accepted and encouraged part of daily life.

Beyond practical benefits, the emotional impact of finding the right technology cannot be overstated. Before using assistive tools, I often felt like I was failing at work, at parenting, and basic life tasks which lead to depression and burnout. But once I started using technology that actually worked for my brain, I realised I wasn’t failing; I was just unsupported.

That shift in mindset has been profound for both me and my children. My youngest doesn’t have to struggle the way my eldest and I did. Instead of feeling like he’s constantly falling behind, he has access to tools that help him thrive. And for my eldest, finding the right technology as an adult has been empowering, proving it’s never too late to find what works for you.

If you or someone you love is neurodivergent and looking for tools to make life easier, here are some tips that have helped our family:

• Identify Specific Challenges – Are you struggling with time management, sensory overload, communication, or organisation? Pinpointing your biggest difficulties will help you find the right tools.
• Start with Free or Low-Cost Options – Many great apps have free versions, and some assistive devices can be borrowed from libraries or disability organisations before committing to a purchase.
• Customisation is Key – Not all technology will work the same for everyone. Look for apps and devices that let you tailor settings to fit your needs.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment – What works for one person might not work for another. Try different tools until you find what suits you best.
• Advocate for Accessibility – If you’re in school, at work, or seeking professional support, ask about accommodations and technology that could help. More workplaces and institutions are recognising the benefits of assistive technology.
The world is still far from perfect for neurodivergent people, but things are improving. Assistive technology has not only helped me function better in my own life but has also given my children opportunities that weren’t available when I was their age.

As awareness grows and technology continues to advance, I hope more neurodivergent people, especially women diagnosed later in life, discover the tools that can make their lives easier. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about “fixing” neurodivergence; it’s about giving people the support they need to thrive.

For our family, assistive technology has been a bridge to understanding, independence, and self-acceptance. And that’s something worth celebrating.

Author bio:

Michelle Worthington is a Brisbane based international guest speaker, globally published award winning author, playwright and screenwriter and producer who encourages a love of storytelling and empowers others to share their story, represented by Champion Health Agency. Michelle has lived experience of chronic illness and disability, and works to create positive change through her creative endeavours and advocacy.