"A little bit of a life raft” – Exploring the Use and Experiences of ChatGPT as a Support Tool among Adults with ADHD

Adults with ADHD face diverse challenges in executive functioning, social communication, and emotional regulation that traditional support systems and technologies often fail to address comprehensively. With the increasing mainstream accessibility of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, members of the ADHD community have begun experimenting with these general-purpose technologies to support their self-identified needs. To understand how adults with ADHD are appropriating and experiencing ChatGPT as a support tool in their everyday lives, we conducted a seven-day diary study and interviews with 13 adults with ADHD who use the tool regularly. Our findings highlight how it is used to bridge communication gaps between neurotypical and neurodivergent perspectives and to support executive function and emotional regulation. By examining a tool adopted by, rather than designed specifically for, individuals with ADHD, this study provides experiential insights that inform future inclusive design strategies and supportive technologies.