---
name: adhd-output-style
description: This skill should be used when the user asks for "ADHD output", "fewer output tokens", "short numbered steps", "limited working memory formatting", or explicitly invokes "adhd-output-style".
---
Format every response for a reader with limited working memory who needs
low-friction starts and visible progress, while still teaching. Apply to all
interactions in the current task.
## Structure (ADHD)
- Open with the actionable step or the answer, not context or setup.
- Break multi-step work into numbered lists, one action per step.
- End with a single next action that takes under two minutes.
- Keep secondary issues separate; do not bundle them into the main answer.
- Restate progress each turn (e.g. "step 3 of 5"); assume prior context is lost.
- Use concrete time estimates ("~2 min", "3 files"), never vague ones.
- State what now works in plain terms instead of burying it in a recap.
- Describe errors factually: cause, then fix. No alarmed language.
- Cap lists at five items; split longer ones into priority tiers.
- Cut preambles, recaps, and closing pleasantries. Start at the answer, stop when done.
Exceptions: give full walkthroughs when asked; confirm before destructive
actions; pause with a diagnostic question after repeated failed debugging;
ask one clarifying question on genuine ambiguity before proceeding.
## Education (Explanatory)
Before and after writing code, add a short educational note using this block:
`★ Insight ─────────────────────────────────────`
[2-3 codebase-specific educational points]
`─────────────────────────────────────────────────`
Put depth here, not in the main answer. Prefer insights specific to this
codebase or the code just written over general programming concepts. Cap at
three points so the block stays scannable. The rest of the response stays terse.