How to Set Up ClickUp for Neurodivergent Brains
ClickUp can be customized to support neurodivergent people by reducing overwhelm, simplifying choices, and giving your brain a reliable place to store tasks, ideas, and reminders.
This step-by-step how-to guide walks you through building a workspace that works with your brain instead of against it.
Step 1: Create a Calming ClickUp Workspace
A calm visual environment makes it easier to focus and find what you need. Start by designing your main ClickUp workspace around clarity and low friction.
Use simple spaces in ClickUp
Instead of many complex areas, create just a few spaces that match big areas of your life. For example:
- Personal Life
- Work or Business
- Health & Self‑Care
- Learning & Hobbies
Inside each space, create lists only for what you truly use. Too many lists can cause decision fatigue and make it harder to start.
Choose focus-friendly views in ClickUp
Different brains process information in different ways, so experiment with views until you find what feels easiest to scan. Common helpful views include:
- List view to see tasks in a simple vertical list
- Board view (Kanban) to drag tasks between stages like To Do, Doing, Done
- Calendar view to visualize time-sensitive tasks and events
Hide views you do not use often so your ClickUp interface stays clean and predictable.
Step 2: Build Neurodivergent-Friendly Task Lists in ClickUp
Many neurodivergent people struggle with task initiation, time blindness, and working memory. You can design your ClickUp lists to break tasks down and make the next step obvious.
Break big tasks into small subtasks
When you add a task, ask yourself: what is the smallest visible action? Then turn that into a subtask. For example, instead of a single task called “File taxes,” create:
- Gather income documents
- Collect receipts
- Log into tax software
- Review final numbers
- Submit return
Each subtask in ClickUp should be clear enough that you do not have to think hard to know what to do when you open it.
Add brain-friendly details to ClickUp tasks
Within each task, use fields and descriptions that support how your brain works:
- Descriptions for step-by-step instructions you want to follow later
- Custom fields like energy level, estimated time, or priority
- Tags such as “low energy,” “high focus,” or “urgent”
These details allow you to filter tasks in ClickUp when your energy or focus changes throughout the day.
Step 3: Use ClickUp Reminders to Combat Time Blindness
Time blindness and forgetfulness can make important tasks slip through the cracks. ClickUp reminders act as an external memory you can trust.
Set gentle, layered reminders in ClickUp
For each important task, create more than one reminder so you are not depending on a single notification. For example:
- A reminder the day before
- Another reminder one hour before
- A final reminder at the exact time
Use different channels if available, such as email and app notifications, so you see the reminder in more than one place.
Use recurring tasks in ClickUp for routines
For everyday tasks that are easy to forget, set them as recurring tasks. Helpful recurring items might include:
- Take medication
- Check calendar for the next day
- Pay bills
- Weekly planning session
Recurring schedules in ClickUp remove the pressure of memorizing every responsibility.
Step 4: Reduce Overwhelm with ClickUp Views and Filters
Neurodivergent brains can quickly become overloaded by long lists and competing priorities. Configure ClickUp views so you only see what matters right now.
Create a Today view in ClickUp
Set up a dedicated view called “Today” that shows only tasks due today or marked as high priority. You can do this with filters such as:
- Due date is today or overdue
- Priority is high
- Status is not completed
Pin this ClickUp view so it is the first thing you see, reducing the urge to jump between spaces and lists.
Use filters for energy and focus in ClickUp
If you use custom fields or tags for energy level, create additional views:
- Low Energy view: for short, simple tasks
- Deep Work view: for high-focus tasks only
- Admin view: for chores and paperwork
Instead of forcing your brain to fit the task, you browse ClickUp for tasks that match your current state.
Step 5: Turn ClickUp Into a Safe Brain Dump Space
Many neurodivergent people experience racing thoughts and idea overload. Use ClickUp as a safe capture system, then sort when you have more focus.
Create an Inbox list in ClickUp
Make a single list called “Inbox” or “Brain Dump.” Any time an idea, worry, or task pops up, capture it quickly without organizing it first. Later, during a scheduled review time, move items from the Inbox into the right space and list.
Use ClickUp docs for notes and sensory-safe planning
Alongside tasks, keep supportive resources close by using docs:
- Checklists for transitions (leaving the house, starting work, ending work)
- Scripts for difficult conversations or phone calls
- Self-care menus for low-spoon days
Link these docs to relevant tasks in ClickUp so they are always one click away when you need them.
Step 6: Automate Repetitive Work in ClickUp
Manual organization can be exhausting. Automations in ClickUp help reduce repetitive decisions and save executive function.
Use ClickUp templates for recurring workflows
When you notice a task type you repeat often, turn it into a task template. Examples include:
- Morning routine checklist
- Client project setup
- Weekly review ritual
- Travel preparation
Next time, instead of rebuilding the structure, you apply the template in ClickUp and start working immediately.
Automate status and assignment changes in ClickUp
Set up simple rules so ClickUp does the busywork:
- When a due date is added, set a reminder automatically
- When a task moves to “In Progress,” assign it to yourself
- When a task is completed, remove it from your “Today” view
Automations reduce the number of small decisions you have to make while keeping your ClickUp system organized.
Step 7: Review and Adjust Your ClickUp System Regularly
Your needs can change over time, and your tools should adapt with you. Schedule a short weekly review to keep ClickUp aligned with your current brain and life.
Run a gentle weekly review in ClickUp
Once a week, open a calm playlist and walk through this simple routine:
- Open your Inbox list and sort or delete items
- Check overdue tasks and decide to do, delegate, or delete
- Plan the next week by assigning due dates to key tasks
- Archive lists or views in ClickUp that no longer serve you
Keep the review short and repeatable so it feels supportive, not overwhelming.
Learn More About Neurodivergent-Friendly Tools
The setup ideas in this tutorial are inspired by tools and strategies highlighted in the original discussion of AI tools for neurodivergent people on the ClickUp blog. For additional context and examples, visit the source article here: AI tools for neurodivergent people.
If you want expert help designing systems and workflows tailored to your unique brain, you can explore specialized consulting resources like Consultevo, which focuses on strategic productivity and process optimization.
By starting small, using gentle reminders, and letting ClickUp carry more of the mental load, you can create a work and life hub that feels safer, clearer, and far more sustainable for a neurodivergent mind.
Need Help With ClickUp?
If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.
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