Show HN: Shimmer – ADHD-adapted body doubling
An ADHD-focused coaching startup offering “body doubling” sessions and tools for $140–$340 per month is drawing both interest and skepticism. Supporters say medication alone often doesn’t resolve executive-function challenges and that structured coaching, community, and lifestyle changes can be valuable, especially amid medication shortages and access problems. Critics argue the service is expensive, relies on unregulated “coaches” rather than licensed clinicians, lacks transparent evidence for its outcomes, and risks exploiting a vulnerable population that could instead see psychologists, psychiatrists, or regulated support workers.
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.