Show HN: Shimmer – ADHD-adapted body doubling

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Perceived Value vs Cost

  • Many question paying $140–$340/month for coaching/body doubling when ADHD meds cost ~$10–30/month with insurance.
  • Some see potential ROI if it unlocks even a few hours of productivity weekly, especially for high earners.
  • Others find the price a hard stop and suggest spending similar money on licensed therapy instead.

Medication vs Coaching

  • Several report life-changing benefits from stimulants, sometimes with minimal side effects.
  • Others note side effects, partial symptom relief, supply shortages, insurance hassles, and contraindications with other meds.
  • Common view: medication improves capacity but doesn’t automatically build habits, planning skills, or direction; coaching or therapy may still be needed.

Effectiveness and Evidence

  • The startup cites internal metrics (self‑reported improvement, executive function and impairment scales) and claims ADHD coaching is evidence-based and recommended by experts.
  • Multiple commenters challenge this, asking for peer‑reviewed studies and arguing ADHD coaching is not well‑validated and often oversold.

Credentials and Regulation of Coaches

  • The company says it hires coaches credentialed by recognized coaching bodies and admits “coach” is an unprotected term, so it vets heavily.
  • Critics argue coaching credentials are far below the training and regulation of psychologists/psychiatrists, and that using “therapy-based” language is misleading.
  • Some call ADHD coaching broadly “predatory” and a way to charge therapist‑level rates without licenses or accountability.

Body Doubling Alternatives & Use Cases

  • Many note informal body doubling already exists: Twitch streams, Discord study servers, coffee shops, libraries, co‑working with friends or family calls.
  • Some want a slimmed‑down, always‑open virtual coworking room without coaching. Others say free or cheaper community options are sufficient.

Product Features, Pricing Details, and Roadmap

  • Basic plan: ~$140/month for four 15‑minute weekly coach sessions plus unlimited body doubling and app tools.
  • Discussion clarifies this is ~1 hour/month of 1:1 time; remaining value is in community, structure, and tools.
  • Team is considering a body‑doubling‑only tier but worries about moderation load and changing community “vibe.”

Ethical Concerns and Community Reaction

  • Strong criticism that the service exploits people with ADHD, overuses “science”/“evidence-based” claims without citing research, and blurs lines between coaching and clinical care.
  • Supporters argue it fills real gaps: difficulty accessing ADHD‑aware clinicians, non‑medication options, and structured support.

Access to Care, Diagnosis, and System Frictions

  • Several describe long, difficult paths to adult diagnosis and consistent medication, especially with insurance changes, shortages, or in different countries.
  • Coping systems (calendars, task apps, routines, lifestyle “foundations” like sleep and exercise) are repeatedly emphasized as essential alongside any treatment.