Issue 3

Hello, Beyond the Label Family! 👋

We're back with another exciting edition of the Beyond the Label Newsletter, and you won't want to miss it! 🌈

In today's high-tech world, smartphones are essential tools for daily living. However, for neurodiverse users who have conditions like autism or ADHD, certain aspects of operating a phone can be challenging. Small frustrations with using phones can quickly add up and become obstacles.

The good news is that there are many ways to customize and optimize your smartphone to work better for an autistic or ADHD brain. With simple tweaks and helpful apps, you can transform your phone into a more user-friendly and productivity-enhancing tool.

Check out these 10 awesome phone hacks to make device use easier and less stressful:

1. Reduce Stimulus with Grayscale Mode

All the vivid colors and flashing notifications on phones can get visually overwhelming. Luckily, you can switch your screen to grayscale mode to create a calmer, muted appearance.

On iPhones, turn on grayscale under Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size. Android users can search for grayscale or color inversion settings. This trick minimizes visual distractions to allow better focus.

2. Block Unwanted Calls and Texts

It can be irritating to have spam calls and texts interrupt you. Stop the nuisance by using call and text blocking features.

On iPhones, add contacts to your block list under Phone > Recents > (i) > Block Contact. Android users can download apps like Hiya to auto-block robocalls and screen unknown callers. Say goodbye to unwanted disruptions!

3. Allocate Focus Time with Do Not Disturb

When you need uninterrupted focus time, turn on Do Not Disturb mode on your phone. This silences calls and alerts, so you can zero in on important tasks without pointless pop-ups.

4. Limit Tempting Apps

Let's be honest – some apps are nothing but distracting time-wasters! If you find yourself endlessly scrolling through certain apps when you should be working, move those apps off your home screen to reduce temptation. Out of sight, out of mind.

5. Create Soothing Playlists

Does chatter and background noise make it hard to think? When you need peace and quiet, putting on noise-canceling headphones and playing a custom playlist can help drown out stimulation.

Make playlists of calm nature sounds or ambient music to retreat into your own serene headspace anywhere.

Red for productivity, blue for social media, green for music, etc. This organizing trick provides a calming sense of visual harmony.

8. Reduce Overstimulating Notifications

Dings, pops, and buzzes might seem like small disruptions, but constant notifications tax mental bandwidth. Disable or reduce unnecessary alerts from especially distracting apps.

On iPhones, adjust notifications under Settings > Notifications. Android users can long press an app icon and select Notifications to customize. Mute and minimize for better focus.

9. Use Voice Commands

Typing on tiny touchscreens can be frustrating. But voice commands allow you to text, call, schedule, and run phone functions hands-free. No tapping required!

Enable voice control on iPhones under Settings > Accessibility. Androids have Google Assistant built-in. Voice control boosts accessibility and reduces motor coordination challenges.

10. Try a Minimalist Launcher

Does your busy home screen trigger distraction? A minimalist launcher app replaces the standard interface with a simplified version.

Apps like Evie or DISTRO rid your home screen of everything but the essentials. Fewer icons and clean layouts help minimize overstimulation.

While phones can present challenges for neurodiverse users, simple modifications go a long way in terms of accessibility and ease of use. Try out these convenient phone hacks to customize your device into a calmer, simpler, more streamlined tool that enhances focus and reduces frustrations. Just a few small tweaks can make phone use a much smoother experience!

Join the Beyond the Label movement and make a difference! Together, we can create a world that celebrates unique abilities and embraces diversity. 🌍

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Thank you for being a part of Beyond the Label! 🌟

Warm regards, Beyond the Label Team 📚🌟

PS: Stay tuned for more inspiring stories, updates, and resources in our next newsletter! 📬🎉