A Backyard AI project. Built at home with a small model for a big impact
What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that profoundly influences how the brain manages information, regulates attention, and controls impulses. Understanding ADHD is crucial for both diagnosis and treatment, providing insights into the challenges faced by individuals with this condition.
It started with my wife
My journey began at home. My wife has ADHD, and I’ve seen her face challenges that often seem insurmountable. She can stand in front of a pile of laundry, fully aware of what needs to be done, yet remain frozen in place. This isn’t laziness; it’s a struggle inherent to the ADHD brain. The issue doesn’t lie in knowing what to do but in bridging the gap between knowing and starting.
Many mainstream ADHD tools often miss this critical point. They tend to focus on diagnosis and theory—offering quizzes, checklists, and conventional to-do lists. However, for someone who is experiencing task initiation paralysis, facing a to-do list can feel like facing a mountain of insurmountable options. It becomes just another source of pressure, shouting ‘try harder’ while feeling utterly paralyzed.
So, I shifted my approach. I took the existing theories—executive dysfunction, task-initiation paralysis, and the interest-based nervous system—and tested them in real-world scenarios with the person I know best. What truly helps her move from freeze mode to action? Rather than a plan, it is often a simple spark.
What NeuroBait does
Enter NeuroBait, an innovative tool that doesn’t add to-do lists. Instead, it ignites dopamine, making the idea of starting feel achievable.
When someone feels stuck, NeuroBait analyzes their conversation to identify what truly matters—be it a deadline, a loved one, or a cherished task. The tool responds with 3 to 6 warm sentences that flow naturally, avoiding clinical jargon or overwhelming bullet points. It understands why they might feel stuck, re-establishes a connection to something they love, and proposes a single, small action they can tackle immediately. An example might be, “Pull one shirt off the top of the pile. Just one.”
This approach eliminates guilt and lecturing. In this narrative, you become the active hero rather than the patient waiting for help.
The stack
Building this tool wasn’t just a shot in the dark; it’s a finely-tuned model crafted on a real budget. Here’s a look at the specifications:
- Base:
google/gemma-3-12b-it(a reliable transformer model, specifically the dense Gemma 3 12B, paired withGemma3ForConditionalGeneration) - Method: 16-bit LoRA, executed via Unsloth (not QLoRA)
- LoRA Parameters:
r=16,alpha=16,dropout=0 - Epochs:
3| Learning Rate:2e-4| Batch Size:1 x grad_accum 8| Max Sequence:2048 - Chat Template:
gemma-3with conversation markersusern modeln save_strategy="no"to avoid potential issues with Unsloth/TRL checkpoint pickle bugs- Trained using: modal.com with H100 80GB GPU
- Data: Small, hand-curated datasets sourced from real-world ADHD experiences, emphasizing quality over quantity
- Deployment: Hugging Face Space on ZeroGPU (zero-a10g) utilizing Gradio and standard transformers, optimized for performance
Default model vs. fine-tuned
The base model holds significant capabilities but tends to fall back on standard output, often creating lists that, while empathetic, can still feel overwhelming. These outputs typically feature bold headers and bullets that can add to an already paralyzed state.
In contrast, the fine-tuned version communicates effectively in warm, flowing prose. It avoids overwhelming the user and tailors its responses to their specific situation, asking questions rather than making assumptions. This creates a personalized experience that resonates deeply, making users feel truly heard and understood.
Not just for ADHD
What has been surprisingly uplifting is that NeuroBait isn’t limited to ADHD alone. We all encounter moments when we feel stuck—overwhelmed by expansive social media feeds or daily chores that become mentally exhausting. NeuroBait serves as a gentle nudge that stands ready to help anyone feeling overwhelmed. It provides a relaxed dopamine boost, making the process of overcoming inertia accessible to all. However, those with ADHD may find particular benefit in its design.
Where it’s going
This journey began in my backyard for one person, but the ultimate mission is to amplify its reach to everyone living with ADHD and anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed.
Looking ahead: I aim to incorporate open weights, expand the pipeline to bilingual capabilities in Indonesian and English, and, most importantly, collaborate with the community in building this tool and not merely for them. For too long, ADHD solutions have been created without genuine insights from those directly affected. By engaging with real scenarios, genuine reactions, and authentic feedback, we can create tools that truly resonate and deliver impactful support.
If you have ADHD, care for someone who does, or often find yourself feeling swamped, I encourage you to give NeuroBait a try. Your feedback will contribute to its evolution and effectiveness. 🧠⚡
Check this out: NeuroBait
Inspired by: Source
