Executive function disorder (EFD) can cause problems with executive function skills such as planning and organization, managing time, and multitasking. It can be caused by many conditions, but people who are neurodivergent learners or workers are just as capable as anyone else in their abilities.

There are many tech tools and strategies that may help improve executive function. Here are some tools you can try to help with issues everyone struggles with from time to time: concentration and effective time planning.

1. Stay on Task

Stay on Task is a Google Chrome extension that may significantly increase your productivity. It combines a site-blocker with a to-do list in a two-pronged approach to keep you on task. If you try to access a blocked website, you are redirected to your original to-do list.

Stay on Task is extremely simple to use, efficient, and free. If you’re not sure how to go about it, check out this guide on how to find and install browser extensions.

2. Habitica

Habitica is a free productivity app that encourages you to form good habits and become productive by gamifying your tasks, routines, and goals. Habitica has a retro RPG interface. You create and customize an avatar, then add your tasks and routines.

When you do something in real life, check it off in the app to earn rewards within the game or enjoy a treat. Habitica’s social elements make it perfect for teaming up with friends for extra accountability. It’s likely to appeal to children, but it’s suitable for anyone.

Download: Habitica for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

3. Time Timer

Time Timer is as simple as a timer gets. It visualizes the passing of time using a red disk. Set the length of your timer, press go, and watch the disk disappear as time elapses. Leave Time Timer running as you complete a task, and you’ll have a concrete reminder of the time you've spent on it.

You can save timers for different purposes, adjust the disk color, and choose how the app alerts you when time is up. Time Timer is available as a desktop, mobile, and Apple Watch app. A range of standalone timer products is also available from the Time Timer website.

Download: Time Timer for iOS | Android (Free)

4. Tiimo

Tiimo is for anyone who struggles to stay on task and plan their day. It is a visual daily planner app, which helps you build routines that work for you, so you can organize your whole day and minimize any issues with planning and time management.

Tiimo has a comprehensive feature set. Extensive pre-made routines and activity sets cover every aspect of everyday life. However, you can customize everything to suit your preferences, and you can easily import your existing calendar.

A visual timeline uses color, icons, and emoji to help you keep track easily. You can use notifications to remind you not only of upcoming activities but also at the halfway mark and the end of a time period. Tiimo is designed to be inclusive and supportive of neurodiversity, including EFD issues.

Download: Tiimo for iOS | Android (Subscription required, free trial available)

5. Be Focused

Be Focused is a focus timer that allows you to employ the Pomodoro timer method to get things done. The Pomodoro method is a concept of time management that involves breaking tasks down into periods of 25 minutes, each of which is followed by a short break.

The method benefits people with EFD issues, as it helps break up tasks to suit a short attention span. Meanwhile, regular breaks allow you to refocus.

With over 5 million users worldwide, Be Focused is one of the best focus timer apps available. Its simple interface allows you to manage your tasks and breaks. Upgrading to the Pro version removes ads and lets you backup, export, and sync your data between devices.

If Be Focused doesn’t suit, explore more of the best free Pomodoro apps.

Download: Be Focused for iOS (Free) | Be Focused Pro for iOS ($4.99)

6. Pomodor

If you’re working at a computer, a web tool to help you with Pomodoro timings comes in handy. Bookmark Pomodor for an easy assistant that will allow you to set work and break durations and send notifications to remind you when it’s time to stop work. Pomodor is free.

7. Marinara Timer

Marinara is another productivity timer with slightly more fluidity than a strict Pomodoro app. It is a free web tool that allows you to select one of three options: Pomodoro, custom timer, or kitchen timer. No matter your choice, you will benefit from a bold interface that is hard to ignore.

Choose from an eclectic mix of alerts to notify you at the end of your countdown. There’s everything from an angelic song to a fire alarm, which is probably not the best choice for a busy office or classroom! You can use the Marinara timer across multiple computers so that teams can maintain the same schedule.

8. Forest

Forest is a gamified timer that has won numerous awards and has over 40 million users worldwide. It has a simple but brilliant concept. Plant a seed in Forest when you need to put your phone down and stay focused on your task. Leaving the seed allows it to grow into a tree. However, using your phone causes your tree to wither.

Stay motivated and ignore your phone to grow a forest over time. And as you unlock achievements, you can plant real trees as a reward, saving the planet and improving your habits.

This app is great for time management and for anyone who needs a little help reducing screen time.

Download: Forest for iOS ($3.99) | Android (Free, premium version available)

Stay Focused and Motivated With Time Management Apps

With so many distractions in the world, it can be hard to stay organized and make each moment count. For anyone with EFD issues, these issues can make work, study, and even everyday tasks all the more tricky. Use these tools and resources to promote good time management and enjoy the positive feeling of knowing you are using each moment of your day intentionally.