Living well as a neurodivergent person isn’t about “fixing” ourselves – it’s about finding strategies, spaces, and supports that work with our brains, not against them.

From managing sensory overload and executive dysfunction, to protecting mental health in a world that’s not built for our wiring – wellness looks a little different for each of us.

To support this, we’ve compiled a list of ND friendly tools, apps, resources and more.

Apps & digital tools (neurodivergent-friendly)

• • Cogs an app created with and for neurodivergent people to track burnout signs, build regulation habits and manage overwhelm. Validated use in NHS contexts; designed for ND needs.

• • Goblin Tools  collection of small single-task tools and ADHD planners (also an app) that break tasks into tiny steps, formalise text and help convert braindumps into actions. Useful for executive function support.

• • Focus Friend — gamified Pomodoro/focus timer app (Hank Green) that uses live sessions and rewards to support focus. Popular with ADHD communities

• • Woebot — conversational mental health chatbot (CBT-based) that some ND users find useful for structured check-ins.

• • Speech-to-text & reading tools — Speechify, NaturalReader and Microsoft Immersive Reader (or Read&Write) can make reading easier for dyslexic and ND learners; check local availability and licensing. (Many are globally accessible or have web versions.)

Assistive tech & learning supports

• • Text-to-speech & screen readers — Microsoft Immersive Reader built into many MS tools; Speechify and NaturalReader for mobile/desktop reading. Useful for dyslexia and reading fatigue.

• • Colored overlays and dyslexic fonts — low-tech supports that help many dyslexic readers; sold by local suppliers and specialist retailers (see Autism Resources SA marketplace below). 

Peer support groups, communities & networks (South Africa)

• • ADHASA (ADHD Support Association) — longstanding ADHD support network in SA with awareness and practical support. Facebook presence and local events.

• • ADHD Support SA (Facebook groups) — several private peer groups for adults, parents and partners providing lived experience, tips and signposting. (Search for ADHDSupportSA and related groups.) Facebook

• • Autism Resources South Africa (marketplace + community links) — useful marketplace for sensory tools and links to local services and groups. Good for families seeking equipment and community leads.

• • NeuroKindness, The Neuroverse and local Facebook Pages — community hubs offering training, events and peer meetups. Verify current meeting details locally.

Sensory goods & stim toys (SA retailers)

• • Autism Resources South Africa (marketplace + community links) – stock sensory toys, fidgets, weighted products and classroom aids; very useful for families and schools looking for stim tools. 

• • My little sensory shop – tools & equipment that little people, with big potential, need to cope with the demands of their every day life.

• • SA Toy Trade – they have a great range of sensory and weighted products

Hotlines & crisis support (South Africa)

• • SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) — national mental health NGO, helplines and referral services. They run various hotlines including suicide/crisis lines and specialised services. Essential for urgent mental health help.

• • Lifeline Southern Africa — 24/7 crisis counselling (phone and online) across SA. Good for immediate emotional support.

24-HOUR TOLL-FREE EMERGENCY HELPLINES

Suicide Crisis Helpline

• • 0800 567 567

Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Helpline

• • 0800 12 13 14

• • SMS 32312

Cipla Mental Health Helpline

• • 0800 456 789

• • SMS 31393

NPOwer SA Helpline

• • 0800 515 515

• • SMS 43010

Healthcare Workers Care Network Helpline

• • 0800 21 21 21

• • SMS 43001

8AM-8PM TOLL-FREE HELPLINES

Dr Reddy’s Mental Health Helpline

• • 0800 21 22 23

Adcock Ingram Depression & Anxiety Helpline

• • 0800 70 80 90

ADHD Helpline

• • 0800 55 44 33

Pharma Dynamics Police & Trauma Helpline

• • 0800 20 50 26