Free AI Tools for ADHD: How Goblin Tools Can Support Executive Function
Key Takeaways
Goblin Tools offers simple, free AI tools designed to externalize executive functioning
The toolkit includes help with task breakdown, time estimation, decision-making, and more
The minimal interface works well for ADHD brains that get overwhelmed by complexity
Desktop version is free; app costs $2.99
Tools work best as part of a comprehensive ADHD support system
Worth trying to see if they fit your needs
Introduction
Picture this: You know you need to clean your apartment, but when you look around, the task feels enormous—paralyzing, even. Where do you even start? Your ADHD brain sees "clean apartment" as one massive, shapeless blob of responsibility rather than a series of manageable steps. Sound familiar?
This is executive function breakdown in action, and it's one of the most frustrating parts of living with ADHD. Executive functions are the brain's management system—they help us plan, prioritize, estimate time, and break big projects into doable chunks. When ADHD impairs these functions, everyday tasks can feel impossibly overwhelming.
But here's the good news: we can externalize executive functioning. Just like you might use a calculator when your brain doesn't want to do mental math, you can use tools to handle the executive function tasks your brain finds challenging. That's where Goblin Tools comes in—a collection of simple, free AI-powered tools designed specifically for moments when things feel big and complicated.
Our therapy practice isn't sponsored by Goblin Tools, but we've seen enough clients benefit from it that we knew we had to share it with you. Think of this as your friendly neighborhood therapist passing along a resource that actually works.
What Exactly Are Goblin Tools?
Goblin Tools describes itself as "a collection of small, simple tools, for when things feel big and complicated." That's it. No fancy claims, no overwhelming features—just straightforward help when you need it.
The beauty of these tools lies in their simplicity. While you could accomplish similar tasks with ChatGPT or Claude, many people with ADHD find that having dedicated, single-purpose tools reduces decision fatigue. You don't need to craft the perfect prompt or remember how you asked last time. You just open the tool and use it.
Think of Goblin Tools as your executive function sidekick—always ready to step in when your brain is tapped out.
The Complete Goblin Tools Toolkit
Let's walk through each tool and how it might help your ADHD brain:
Magic ToDo: Your Task-Breaking Wizard
This is the star of the show for many ADHD folks. You type in a big, overwhelming task like "prepare for vacation," and Magic ToDo breaks it down into smaller, actionable steps. It's like having someone translate your executive function homework into a language your brain can actually understand.
How it helps: Instead of staring at "clean apartment" and feeling frozen, you get a list: wipe down kitchen counters, vacuum living room, put away clothes. Suddenly, the shapeless blob becomes a checklist you can tackle.
Formalizer: Polish Your Communication
Need to send a professional email but your brain is speaking in lowercase? The Formalizer takes your casual writing and transforms it into something more polished and professional.
How it helps: No more anxiously rewriting emails seventeen times or avoiding important communication because you can't get the tone right.
Judge: Your Tone Translator
Ever hit send on a message and immediately wonder, "Wait, did that sound rude?" Judge analyzes your writing and gives you feedback about how it might come across to others.
How it helps: Reduces the post-send anxiety spiral and helps you communicate more effectively, especially when rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) makes you second-guess everything.
Professor: Break Down Complex Ideas
When you're trying to understand something complicated but your brain keeps sliding off the information, Professor explains concepts in simpler terms.
How it helps: Learning new things becomes less frustrating when you have a tool that can translate complex ideas into digestible explanations.
Consultant: Decision-Making Support
Stuck between options and spiraling through pros and cons? Consultant helps you work through decisions systematically.
How it helps: Reduces decision paralysis by externalizing the decision-making process your executive functions usually handle.
Estimator: Time Blindness Helper
ADHD and time blindness go together like... well, like things that go together but you can't remember the phrase because ADHD. Estimator helps you guess how long tasks will actually take.
How it helps: Better time estimates mean better planning, fewer missed deadlines, and less chronic lateness.
Compiler: Brain Dump Organizer
Got a chaotic swirl of thoughts? Dump them into Compiler, and it organizes them into actionable steps.
How it helps: Transforms mental chaos into clarity without you having to do the heavy lifting of organization.
Chef: Recipe Creator
Tell Chef what ingredients you have, and it creates recipes. While this might seem less ADHD-specific, it's actually brilliant for decision fatigue around meals.
How it helps: Removes the "what should I make for dinner" decision that can derail your entire evening.
Why Goblin Tools Works for ADHD Brains
Here's what makes Goblin Tools particularly effective for people with ADHD:
Minimal Interface: No overwhelming options or complicated menus. You open a tool, you use it, done. For ADHD brains that get easily distracted or overwhelmed by too many choices, this simplicity is gold.
No Prompt Engineering Required: Unlike general AI tools, you don't need to figure out how to ask the right question. The tool already knows what you need.
Quick Access: When you're already struggling with executive function, the last thing you need is another barrier. Goblin Tools removes friction from getting help.
Free Desktop Version: The desktop version is completely free, making it accessible to everyone. The app costs $2.99 at the time of this writing—less than a fancy coffee.
H2: How This Fits into Your ADHD Support System
Think of managing ADHD like assembling a support team. You might have:
A therapist who specializes in ADHD (hello!)
Medication, if that's part of your treatment plan
Organizational systems that work with your brain
Community support from other ADHDers
And yes, tools like Goblin Tools
No single tool or strategy fixes everything, but each one adds another layer of support. Goblin Tools isn't therapy, and it's not medication—it's an accommodation. It's a way to work with your ADHD brain instead of constantly fighting against it.
At our New York-based virtual therapy practice, we often help clients build these personalized support systems. We look at where executive function challenges show up in your specific life and help you find strategies, tools, and approaches that actually fit.
Is It Worth Trying?
Here's our honest take: Goblin Tools costs nothing to try on desktop. If you're in New York and struggling with ADHD-related executive function challenges, why not give it a shot?
The worst-case scenario? You spend five minutes exploring and decide it's not for you. The best-case scenario? You find a tool that genuinely makes daily life more manageable.
Many of our therapy clients have integrated Goblin Tools into their daily routines and found real benefits. Others tried it and preferred different approaches. That's completely normal and expected—ADHD support is never one-size-fits-all.
Conclusion
Your ADHD brain needs the right support system. Just like wearing glasses isn't "cheating" at seeing, using tools to support executive function isn't cheating at life. It's working smart.
Whether Goblin Tools becomes your new favorite resource or just another thing you tried, exploring options for ADHD support is always worthwhile. And if you're looking for more personalized strategies for managing ADHD in your daily life, that's exactly what we specialize in.
Our virtual therapy practice serves clients throughout New York State, and we're passionate about helping people with ADHD build lives that work for them, not against them. Ready to explore what ADHD therapy could do for you? Schedule a consultation today.
