Maxβs Memory Support System
π― What is a Memory Orientation Board?
A Memory Orientation Board is an external memory support system that helps individuals with memory challenges, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and executive function difficulties manage daily tasks, appointments, and goals. Instead of relying on your brain to remember everything, this system puts important information outside your head where you can see it, track it, and act on it consistently.
Think of it as your brain's personal assistant - always visible, never forgets, and helps you stay organized without the mental burden of trying to hold everything in your head.
π The Three-Board System
This system uses three boards mounted in a visible location (like your kitchen or office wall):
π
MONTHLY CALENDAR
(Clipboard)
(Clipboard)
β’ Appointments & deadlines
β’ Important dates
β’ Big picture planning
β’ Visual time awareness
β’ Prevention of double-booking
β’ Important dates
β’ Big picture planning
β’ Visual time awareness
β’ Prevention of double-booking
Clipboard benefit: Remove from wall for easy writing while standing or sitting
π― WEEKLY FOCUS
(Clipboard)
(Clipboard)
β’ 3 weekly goals
β’ Daily routine checklist
β’ Morning & evening routines
β’ System usage tracking
β’ Weekly reflection space
β’ Daily routine checklist
β’ Morning & evening routines
β’ System usage tracking
β’ Weekly reflection space
Clipboard benefit: Take to couch or desk for comfortable planning sessions
π KANBAN TASK TRACKER
(Magnetic Whiteboard)
(Magnetic Whiteboard)
β’ DO LATER (max 10 items)
β’ DOING (active tasks)
β’ DONE (completed items)
β’ Visual task flow
β’ Progress celebration
β’ DOING (active tasks)
β’ DONE (completed items)
β’ Visual task flow
β’ Progress celebration
Whiteboard benefit: Maximum white space reduces visual overwhelm; magnetic sticky notes move easily
π Understanding the Kanban System
What is Kanban?
Kanban is a visual project management system that originated in manufacturing and is now widely used in business and personal productivity. The word "Kanban" means "visual board" in Japanese. It works by showing all your tasks in different stages of completion, so you can see everything at once and never lose track of important items.
Why a Magnetic Whiteboard for Kanban?
The Kanban system uses a magnetic whiteboard instead of a clipboard for several important reasons:
- Maximum White Space: Reduces visual overwhelm and cognitive load
- Flexible Layout: Tasks can be spaced out comfortably without crowding
- Easy Movement: Magnetic sticky notes glide smoothly between columns
- Less Visual Clutter: Clean, spacious design prevents sensory overload
- Customizable Sections: Can draw or adjust column boundaries as needed
Clipboard vs. Whiteboard Benefits:
π Clipboards (Calendar & Weekly Focus):
β’ Remove from wall for comfortable writing
β’ Take to couch, desk, or table
β’ Easier for detailed planning sessions
β’ Better for longer writing tasks
β’ Remove from wall for comfortable writing
β’ Take to couch, desk, or table
β’ Easier for detailed planning sessions
β’ Better for longer writing tasks
π² Magnetic Whiteboard (Kanban):
β’ Spacious layout prevents overwhelm
β’ Quick task movement with magnets
β’ Always visible on wall
β’ Minimalist, clean appearance
β’ Spacious layout prevents overwhelm
β’ Quick task movement with magnets
β’ Always visible on wall
β’ Minimalist, clean appearance
Why Kanban Works for Neurodivergent Brains:
- Visual Processing: Everything is visible at once - no hidden lists or forgotten tasks
- Limited Work-in-Progress: Prevents overwhelm by limiting active tasks
- Clear Progress: Moving tasks from left to right provides satisfaction and momentum
- External Memory: Tasks live outside your head where memory issues can't affect them
- Flexible System: Easy to add, move, or remove tasks as priorities change
- Reduced Visual Overwhelm: Spacious whiteboard layout with plenty of white space
π DO LATER
Schedule dentist appointment
Research job opportunities
Call insurance company
Plan weekend activities
Max 10 items to prevent overwhelm
β‘ DOING
Writing job application
Using memory system daily
Only active tasks - what you're working on right now
β
DONE
β Grocery shopping
β Paid bills
β Called mom
β Completed garden work
Celebrate your wins!
Pro Tip: Use magnetic sticky notes on the whiteboard to make moving tasks effortless. The large white space of the magnetic whiteboard reduces visual clutter and overwhelm compared to traditional clipboards. You can organize tasks with plenty of breathing room, making it easier to focus on individual items without feeling crowded by surrounding information.
𧩠How This Helps Neurodivergent Individuals
π§ ADHD Support
- Reduces mental clutter and overwhelm
- Provides structure without rigidity
- Works with hyperfocus and task-switching
- Visual progress tracking maintains motivation
βΎοΈ Autism Support
- Predictable, consistent routine
- Visual processing strengths utilized
- Reduces uncertainty and planning anxiety
- Clear expectations and boundaries
π Memory Challenges
- Externalizes memory completely
- Nothing gets lost or forgotten
- Reduces cognitive load significantly
- Builds consistent daily routines
βοΈ Executive Function
- Breaks complex goals into steps
- Prioritization becomes visual
- Time management support included
- Decision-making simplified
π° Anxiety Reduction Benefits
How This System Reduces Anxiety:
- Eliminates "What am I forgetting?" worry - Everything important is written down and visible
- Prevents overwhelm - Task limits and visual organization prevent cognitive overload
- Provides control - You can see and manage your responsibilities clearly
- Builds confidence - The DONE section shows concrete proof of your accomplishments
- Reduces decision fatigue - Clear systems eliminate daily planning stress
- Creates predictability - Routine and structure reduce uncertainty
For Anxiety Disorders: This system works particularly well for individuals with anxiety because it externalizes worry. Instead of anxious thoughts spinning in your head about what you might be forgetting, everything is captured in a trusted system that you check regularly.
π Daily Routine for System Success
π
Morning Routine (3 minutes):
β‘
Check monthly calendar for today's appointments
β‘
Review weekly focus and goals
β‘
Move 1-2 tasks from DO LATER to DOING
β‘
Check off "Used memory system" on weekly tracker
π Evening Routine (2 minutes):
β‘
Move completed tasks to DONE column
β‘
Add any new tasks to DO LATER
β‘
Prepare tomorrow's priorities
π Implementation Steps
1
Gather Supplies: 2 clipboards, 1 magnetic whiteboard, magnetic sticky notes, pens, calendar printouts
2
Choose Location: Mount boards in a highly visible area - clipboards for easy removal, whiteboard permanently mounted
3
Set Up System: Label sections, add current tasks and appointments
4
Start Simple: Use system for 1 week focusing only on basic task flow
5
Build Routine: Add morning/evening checks to your daily routine
6
Adjust as Needed: Modify system based on what works for your brain
π― Success Tip: Commit to using this system for at least one month before deciding if it works for you. Habit formation takes time, especially when building new neural pathways around memory and organization. Be patient with yourself as you learn to trust and rely on your external memory system.