Saving Time, Saving Sanity: A Neurodiverse Entrepreneur’s Guide to Getting Started with Automation

For neurodiverse entrepreneurs, time isn’t just a resource; it’s a form of protection. It guards your energy, your focus, and your ability to show up as your best self. But when your day is packed with repetitive tasks, decision fatigue, and mental clutter, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

That’s where automation comes in: not as a cold, robotic takeover, but as a gentle support system that works with your brain, not against it.

If you've never tried automation before, start small. Automation doesn’t have to mean coding workflows or buying expensive software. It can be as simple as using tools you already have in your pocket.

Here are five beginner-friendly ways to dip your toes in:

1. Talk to Your Phone

Use voice commands to save time and reduce friction. Try:

• “Hey Siri/Google, block off 2 pm for deep work.”

• “Remind me to send that invoice tomorrow at 10 am.”

• “Add ‘follow up with client’ to my to-do list.”

This is automation in its simplest form, no setup, no learning curve, just instant support.

2. Use Calendar Links

Tools like Calendly or Google Calendar appointment slots let people book time with you without the back-and-forth. You set your availability once, and the tool handles the rest. If you're trying to schedule meetings with a group, consider using a Doodle poll to make the process easier.

3. Set Up Email Templates

If you send similar emails frequently (such as onboarding clients or responding to inquiries), consider creating a reusable template. Gmail, Outlook, and most email platforms support this.

4. Automate Social Posts

Apps like Buffer or Later let you schedule your content in advance. You can batch-create posts when your energy is high and let them publish automatically. Even Meta Business allows you to schedule your content in advance and post to their platforms.

5. Try a To-Do App That Nudges You

Apps like Todoist, Notion, or Trello can send reminders, organize tasks visually, and even auto-reschedule overdue items. Many have neurodivergent-friendly layouts and customization options.

Ive heard many people say they are afraid of AI and Automation or question the ethics behind these tools. That’s valid. Automation and voice-assisted technology have been around for years, while AI has taken center stage over the past year. Automation isn't AI; it is about using technology to perform repetitive tasks based on predefined rules. AI is designed to learn, adapt and make decisions. While they are not the same, they often share infrastructure. Many platforms combine AI with Automation to create tools that are really helpful for their clients. Automation is like the engine that powers the car. AI is the navigator that learns the best route over time. Automation is a way to benefit from the use of AI without fully adopting the technology.

Automation isn’t about replacing your way of working. It’s about protecting it.

• It’s safe: You control what gets automated. You can start with one task and expand only when it feels right.

• It’s flexible: Most tools let you customize how they behave. You can turn things off, adjust settings, and make it fit your workflow.

• It’s empowering: When you automate the boring stuff, you free up time for the work that lights you up.

  
  

Think of automation like a helpful assistant who never gets tired, never judges, and always follows your lead.

Neurodiverse entrepreneurs often carry more cognitive load than others. You're running a business and managing sensory input, emotional regulation, executive function, and more.

Automation is one way to lighten that load. Start with one small step. Talk to your phone. Set a reminder. Let tech take one thing off your plate. You might be surprised how good it feels when your calendar reminds you to take a break, or of that appointment you've been putting off.