My Tips to Get Sh*t Done | Overcoming Executive Dysfunction in Autism

Hi! I’m Claire, and this is my channel, Woodshed Theory. Here you will find the awkward ramblings of an adult autist. I love being creative and sharing my experiences with you. Subscribe to see more DIYs, Discussions, and Bunnies on your feed!
I sometimes really struggle with executive functioning. Over the years I have come up with a few strategies that have really helped me so today I am writing them up and sharing them with you, my KZbin friends!
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[@valide1]

If you are ADHD inclined as well as autistic like myself I cannot stress enough how much more you can get done by embracing the random nature of your hyperfocus. You will without fail lead yourself to depression and anger by trying to focus on a single task and holding yourself responsible to completing it before moving on to another and trigger a meltdown or shutdown. A small group of things you are interested in is far more effective, say 3 different tasks. One maybe homework while two hobbies perhaps. Work as long as you can on the homework until you feel your mind beginning to get excited and focusing on that first hobby. Stop and switch to that hobby. After a while you'll feel the same thing, you'll begin to get excited for hobby 2 and focusing on that. By then your patience and tolerance for the homework will have reset and you can transition after indulging in the third task for a while. It may initially feel like tasks take significantly longer to accomplish but the work you are able to put into them when you are refreshed and engaged is much better than the work you would've been able to drag out of your lifeless corpse desperately forcing yourself to stick to the task when you didn't want to. As a result, you accomplish 3 tasks faster by varying your time than a neurotypical would accomplish them one at a time. Learn to work with your mind's strengths.

[@WoodshedTheory]

This is amazing advice! Thank you :)

[@julie8234]

Great Idea 👌

[@TinhaRolfsdotter]

I will give this a try. Thank you

[@TinhaRolfsdotter]

@Reminald this was so helpful, do you have any more tips that helps you? Or do you know where I can find more tips like this? You have changed my life!

[@ThisisMyemail-pk2rv]

Finally I feel like I am like someone else. I also share long messages and take alot of time to say every detail and end up thinking as I speak. Sometimes I think before i speak and other times I think as I speak. When I went to an autism support group the only one in Southern Maine north by one hour away there were many people that were not like me. It wasn't until KZbinrs that are autistic that I began identifying with other people that have autism I am purposefully foregoing grammar as I think without period often.

[@au-gv3yy]

1. List Making 2. Complete the items in the sequence you want to do them. 3. Done is better than perfect. Great video.

[@WoodshedTheory]

Thanks for your support hope to see you back

[@julie8234]

Great advice in ditching 'everything' & doing 'something'. I've recently burnt out the hard way.

[@WoodshedTheory]

Girl I’ve been there 100%

[@13fyrefli]

I’m such a perfectionist but I never achieve anything at all, let alone perfection.

[@WayneGucci]

I knew lists would help me, but I have difficulty in starting them. I bought a dry erase calendar with a weekly and monthly to do list. The to do.list hasn't been updated since July.....of 2020. Maybe the first task on my to do list should be creating a to do list. Great video.

[@WoodshedTheory]

I can only do a written list - maybe I should have mentioned. On a notebook with lined paper 😭 also I sometimes struggle to make lists as well. Thanks for your support Scott

[@gigahorse1475]

Something that helps me a lot is using a tablet. I have an iPad, Apple Pencil, and Notability (an app). I write down all I need to do, then I can drag the bullet points I made into the right order. This is easier than dry erase because I don’t have to erase things to put them in the best order.

[@lindaboiteux1758]

Hi Claire, At 78, I've been making nauseatingly long & detailed "to do" lists since childhood. That's a whopper-doozie of lots of lists! Of course, I never got it all done, & consequently felt like a failure. My common sense told me that's ridiculous - but the behavior pattern continued. Thanks for helping me put it in improved perspective. "Grandma" Linda

[@WoodshedTheory]

Oh yes I really try not to be too hard on myself

[@melanieb4856]

Hello, This is the first time I'm commenting on a KZbin video, mostly because of fear of scrutiny on any comments I put into writing, including public/social platforms, like KZbin. Nonetheless, your discussion is very relevant to myself. My question is; Do you set an amount of time or have a general time frame you sometimes use as a tool on any of those items of your list that you know need to be done/finalize that day? Task that have a deadline or that have absolutely no time left beyond the end of that day to accomplish.

[@emilymoran9152]

I have always loved lists and plans, long before I was diagnosed, leading most people to conclude that A) I have EXCELLENT executive function (Not true; I NEED those lists!) and B) I must be kind of rigid (Also not true; like you, I tend to move things around according to what feels right. In fact having, say, a trip itinerary, allows me to FAKE being spontaneous - for example, rapidly picking a new activity if something throws off my plans - when true spontaneity would totally stress me out). My greatest find was the use of HIERARCHICAL plans. When I went to grad school, I surprised my advisor by showing up at his office with a 5 year plan in hand, showing when I needed to complete various things in order to graduate in that time-span (Apparently most people don't do that?). I had done that in college and found it a super useful complement to my daily/weekly plans...which went into a paper planner that was always next to me or in my backpack - a trick I learned from my dad, who always had his agenda booklet in his shirt or jacket pocket. Then later on I went to a faculty training thing and learned of the SEMESTER plan - which became the bridge I needed to deal with the much more complex demands of my new job. I think this is something that could be useful to people who are not university affiliated as well, so here's how it works: 1) Consider the next 3-4 month stretch of your life. What are the major goals you'd like to accomplish during it? Write these down. 2) Break the 3-4 months down into weekly chunks. 3) When do you want/need to FINISH each goal? (For example, taxes NEED to be done by April 15 - which can be marked as a firm deadline - but maybe you WANT to finish writing a draft of a story or report by May 10). Mark these down. 4) Working backwards from the real or self-imposed deadlines, what are the steps you need to accomplish that? (For example, maybe you could aim to gather all your tax receipts by Feb 25, sign up for turbotax the next week, complete the federal income section the week after that...etc.) 5) Once you've done this for all tasks, look at your list. Are some weeks clearly too over-packed? If so, can you move some of the flexible target dates to give yourself more space? If not, can you delete some of the less important goals? 6) Revisit at least twice a month during the 3-4 month span to aid in filling out your weekly planner, and reprioritize as necessary. BTW, this faculty training also recommended building in 30-90 minutes for writing/personal research projects at the start of each day (or whenever you are at your highest energy) because, even though that's often what faculty are most heavily evaluated on, there are no external deadlines and so it can easily get pushed to the side. This is TERRIFIC advice for any task that is important but which requires a lot of self-discipline. I think it could also be extended to making time for the special interests that feed your soul, even if you aren't lucky enough to have them be your actual job!

[@WoodshedTheory]

This is amazing! Thanks for sharing I hope this helps someone. I find every mind is different on what works so this is great

[@JuliaJames-zx5xy]

Thank you for this. I will send this to myself that way it's stored on my cell to reread. Your writing triggered many thoughts & memories for me that I won't go into. But I can share that many farmers need to plan their farming out far in advance even though fluctuations do occur from time to time. They adapt to so much more than the seasons & weather. I'm so glad you took the time to share your knowledge & experience with the world. I'm grateful for you & for Claire. 📝📓📔🙏

[@janinemills6732]

This has come at the perfect time...as I sit here as a 45 year old woman looking at the bedroom mess of the 16 year old me!!

[@WoodshedTheory]

Hi Janine I totally get it - I run on two modes - mess or no mess - there is no in between

[@ashleybabette250]

You can do it! One step at a time ♡

[@janinemills6732]

@@ashleybabette250 thank you. X

[@OneUnderground]

Totally relate. I’m renting only a room right now and all of my stuff just seems to pile on. My roommate thinks I’m lazy 😩

[@TinhaRolfsdotter]

My 48 yo inner teenager is keeping you company

[@bratzillla]

i just wanr to be normal. im in so much pain and anguish. autism AND comorbid adhd AND BPD have made my life so unecessarily difficult. and knowing that there is no definitive cure for these things kills me. im so depressed and angry and sad all the time. its not fair. other people can just do things. and theyre good at them. no effort. and theyre so ...... idk. i just wish i was normal

[@WoodshedTheory]

Hi Ace, I totally get how you are feeling. I really struggle to and most of the time i'm at a loss for a solution. it's hard to watch others do things so easily. thanks for sharing your feelings here.

[@beancate]

im not diagnosed with anything and i asked my parents if i could go get checked but they won't take me seriously and im having such a hard time like my grades have plummeted so yea im here 👍

[@WoodshedTheory]

Hi friend I hope things get better for you. Have you thought about talking with a school advisor?

[@ashleybabette250]

I love this video so much ♡ ADHD and undiagnosed autistic with executive function struggles here. It took me until my 30s to learn solid methods to manage a lot of things. I struggle INTENSELY with working memory and time awareness. Lists and planners are the backbone of my adult life. My daily plan page is set up VERY similarly to yours actually with the categories. I'm very visual so the categories are a game changer. I love crossing things off because then I actually know what I did with my day. If something new comes up for today I put it in the appropriate category. I write down everything else important in the margins of my day plan page if it doesn't need to happen today. The next morning, I transfer over all the unfinished things from today either to tomorrow's page or to my weekly/monthly planner to work on another day. Alarms and timers are my other lifesaver too because I have only 2 modes of time awareness: "oh God I only have ___ time to do x" anxiety mode & time does not exist mode. I set alarms for important things, with a planned buffer time to stop what I'm doing and get ready for whatever it is. Plus a follow up alarm right before the event starts. I set timers for the Simplest things, like switching laundry, because I won't remember them otherwise. Writing out and organizing all of my thoughts before an important conversation helps me a great deal too. Keep up the great work!

[@WoodshedTheory]

Thank you for your kind comment I am glad to meet others like me

[@piiinkDeluxe]

The 2 moods are SO accurate!!!

[@hankiepankie5833]

I make a to do list every morning while I ready for work. If I get to work and forgot my list....let's say it is not good. I never remember everything I wrote down. I also find if I use a list, it is not as overwhelming as I thought. I can get through my list very quickly, much quicker than I initially thought. Then I realize I was worried for nothing!

[@WoodshedTheory]

Thanks for sharing your experience :)

[@BriIsTheFinestCheese]

"clicky clicky.. so easy" is the best subscription plug ive ever heard

[@WoodshedTheory]

Thanks! Maybe I should always say it lol

[@cellardoor4182]

I like tackling a messy house in categories. Even if I don't clean the whole job, start by walking through and picking up all the trash. Only. Then all the dishes. Then all the dirty clothes. Etc. It's easier when I don't have to multitask.

[@WoodshedTheory]

Good tips thanks

[@RetreatfarmFarmvilleVirginia]

I Was just diagnosed with this at age 64 and it explains a lifetime of trouble and how i have been living and working. I'm basically a workaholic that starts several projects at the same time or close to the same time in order to make sure i can keep steady working if i hut a temporary dead end on one job while waiting for materials or whatever and can instantly go to another job and keep working then if someone i hire doesn't do a job i pay them for, i'll almost literally walk over their backs and do the task them punish them or replace them but take joy in doing their job also. Strange way of living and working. I Make lists also and work thru them to keep on track to make sure my day/week stays full and busy.

[@WoodshedTheory]

thanks for sharing

[@CathyThwing]

I think having a daily, weekly, and monthly schedule helps me a lot. The essential tasks make the schedule, and since I love doing the same things at the same time, in the same way, the essential chores get done. The other things can wait until I have the executive functioning energy to do them, and some things, like washing windows, will probably never get done. Thanks for sharing your tips!

[@WoodshedTheory]

Thanks for sharing your experience as well ☺️

[@fentanylnymph5977]

You have you have no idea how much I feel heard right now and this video is going to completely change my life forever I have been burned out for so so long this is exactly what I need to hear and I'm really glad that you made this video and I really appreciate you

[@WoodshedTheory]

this is such a nice comment thank you for your support - i am glad it helped and remember to give yourself grace

[@Jenna.g.85]

Being an interest based person finding ways to make a task interesting or more fun such as playing music while you clean or using a fun novelty pen when writing a list, also things like lay in a hammock while making a phone call or sitting in a coffee shop on a laptop to return emails. Jessica at “How to ADHD” KZbin channel has a video on this topic

[@WoodshedTheory]

Thanks for sharing!

[@desertmouse4026]

Thank you for the idea of a detailed list. I just recently found out about executive dysfunction and trying to get more information. This truly helps knowing why I felt so disappointed in myself when I felt paralyzed into immobility. Knowing I had so much to do but I had so many "squirrel" moments that it took me a long time to come back around to what really needed to be done. I am also a list maker but mine were to broad as you say. Going to try your method..

[@WoodshedTheory]

Thanks I hope it helps you!

[@artiecore]

"I never do every single thing on the list." I always feel guilty whenever I am not able to do as much stuff as neurotypicals might, so this was super reassuring to hear

[@WoodshedTheory]

Time for school is hard! I myself really struggled with it. I would say have a month calendar with all the assignments on it so can see the date coming and it’s not a surprise.

[@artiecore]

@@WoodshedTheory That's a great idea, thanks for the suggestion!

[@nunyerbizness9598]

Now I want to know what's on the community tab.

[@WoodshedTheory]

Right?!?!! What the heck someone tell me the secret 😂😂😂

[@zalogfamily]

This is a great video, I've been using the method for a week now and have noticed a great uptick in my productivity and my ability to do chores/cleaning/generally taking care of myself. It's also been eye-opening seeing how many things there are that I avoid in my life that give me a lot of background stress in my life. Being able to actually take care of these things makes me feel much more at peace with my life.

[@WoodshedTheory]

I so appreciate you sharing

[@madberry]

For me tasks on the lists can be routines that go in order. For instance in order to cook I need counter space in order to get this space the dishwasher needs to be emptied out, filled again and depending on what I’m cooking and how full the dishwasher is switched on. I can only get to cooking unless that routine has run.

[@WoodshedTheory]

Yes I struggle to do some things out of order

[@ThisisMyemail-pk2rv]

I need to tell you I am finding it hurtful and harmful to me that there are people saying my masking is bad. I find it is a gift that enables me to communicate with and socialize with more acquaintances that I am familiar with than others are able to. Because of this gift of masking I have encouraged many.

[@WoodshedTheory]

Thank you for sharing this perspective as it has given me something to think about. I appreciate it.

[@michelelovesbooks]

I was so excited when I saw the topic that you posted about today. I had planned on sending you a message asking if you’d consider doing a video on this very topic. I love lists, they are super helpful. I also find that setting a timer for specific things that I have trouble with remembering is also helpful. Example: I tend to forget to eat when I’m supposed to, and tend to forget to empty my bladder. Setting a timer keeps me from forgetting.

[@WoodshedTheory]

i also think a timer is a great idea!

[@passaggioalivello]

I make lists too, especially if I have to make a phone call. My phone conversation list it's about the topics, step by step and how I have to reply to some questions.

[@WoodshedTheory]

Phone calls are the worst lol

[@ashleybabette250]

YES. I literally write all of them out too! Before I started writing outlines for phone calls, I couldn't even make simple calls without total overwhelm.

[@passaggioalivello]

@@ashleybabette250 You're not alone.

[@peteracton2246]

I have this in great abundance. Life hacks are good. Lists drawn up with little tick boxes next to them, otherwise tomorrow (which never comes!) will do. Definitely showering everyday though. My autistic, sensitive nose means If I can smell myself I think other people shouldn't have to. True if you miss a chore you can always catch up and you are mindful of it, which is a start. We shouldn't be too hard on ourselves. Great and helpful video.

[@WoodshedTheory]

hi peter i understand i usually have to move almost everything over to the next day anyway

[@helenapimentel6018]

''i will make a list to help with my executive functioning'' : passes 2 days thinking about It without doing the damn list

[@WoodshedTheory]

I get it! Def not advice that works for everyone - and not even me all the time

[@fabled-pilgrim]

I did a little cheer when I heard you quote from Headway's website. I volunteered with them for 7 years and have good memories supporting people with various executive functioning issues. Thanks for the tips Claire and well done on making these videos 😊

[@WoodshedTheory]

Hi I am glad you enjoyed! I hope to "see" you in the comments

[@icephoenix174]

Oh God I had a fucking stroke when I thought this was 10 tips for dealing with dysfunction and I could only recall like two. Might sub just because I really need the help even though nothing in this particular video helped me (funnily enough I lost focus like six times in this video). One more vid and if it's good you've got a sub!

[@WoodshedTheory]

Well Zack, you are very welcome here wether you sub or not :)

[@lancemaxwell8464]

Wait, i thought i constantly forget to shower and brush my teeth just because I'm lazy? I didn't think there was an actual explanation? I'm so glad to know it's not just a thing that's wrong with me

[@WoodshedTheory]

Oh it’s def not just you

[@firecatcybertail463]

For me if it's something not happening immediately it goes on a checklist or calendar and if this is a request from someone, get thevsomething from store takes them to appointment . I will send then a copy of my calendar page to make sure it's right. And remind me if don't send confirmation.

[@WoodshedTheory]

good ideas!

[@maddiecerinceru6682]

Omg just been signposted here by a fellow uni student. These tips are AMAZING🎉🎉 thank you so much. New subscriber joins the community ❤

[@WoodshedTheory]

welcome! i hope it helps and welcome to the community

[@maddiecerinceru6682]

@@WoodshedTheory thank you 😊

[@GemmasJourneyGrace]

Hey Claire awesome video as usual, i love the way you clearly explain things, i totally relate, and find you so easy to listen to. Keep up your awesome work

[@WoodshedTheory]

Thanks Gemma - that is so nice - glad you are here

[@Songsthesecond]

I’m autistic and It’s so hard I can’t do anything I can’t even take a shower I didn’t shower in 2 months now and I can’t organize my room it’s hard and can’t focus and can’t focus on books I can’t exercise omg now I know it’s name

[@WoodshedTheory]

Hi there, I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling. It might be helpful to get some help from a doctor. I know it really helped me.

[@MrsAnnThropy]

REMINDER: Life doesn’t have criteria, it’s not graded, you don’t fail.

[@WoodshedTheory]

That is a great mantra!

[@SunburnX]

I loved the topic but before I appreciate that, I absolutely love the color of your hair and you LOOK so organised. Just the mere sight of you made me feel that whatever she's saying is gonna work. And now I got so excited to write this comment that I forgot what I originally wanted to write. I hate myself. I'm sorry. Hope this video helps me, maybe!

[@snactivist]

Oh wow I love your energy! This video felt like looking in a mirror. Thank you for these tips!

[@WoodshedTheory]

Ah Katie thank you for the compliment. I admit sometimes I struggle with seeming energetic on camera esp when I am not masking.

[@tzisorey]

Glad I'm not the only one who does that when they get tonguetied

[@WoodshedTheory]

Totally

[@anjachan]

every day showering is bad for the skin 🙃 I love lists 😂

[@WoodshedTheory]

i love lists too!

[@yogautistic]

Thanks for this. Very helpful :)

[@WoodshedTheory]

Glad it was helpful

[@katmaria3335]

This is incredibly helpful!

[@WoodshedTheory]

Thanks glad to have you

[@breee4093]

Does anyone have tips for studying and such? I pretty much have mindless tasks like cleaning figured out but when I actually have to sit down and put a lot of brain power into something I often can't do it.

[@WoodshedTheory]

Hi Bree, I can look into that as a video idea. I also really struggled to study myself.

[@breee4093]

@@WoodshedTheory thanks!!

[@Gandalf_the_quantum_G]

Doesn't work with me using lists. It just works, if I form a habit. For cleaning/house stuff I'm totally in routine to have everything in a specific order. Once I use something - cooking for example - I immediately clean it again. Same like when I go to bed I prepare automatically everything I need for the next morning and day, prepare food for lunch and clean again the table and so on. Having a list I never now what to do first, so it stresses me alot. To get stuff done, that is not integrated into a routine, I just follow my instincts. If I have a task which has a deadline, I instinctively do it immediately to have it out of my way. I never miss deadlines, I'm never late, even though I'm add as well. But, what is important to be able to function instinctively is, that I'm totally alone and autonomous in my inner perception. Just the thought, that my girlfriend could call me or just anyone wants something from me is destroying this instinctive structure. That's the reason why I oftentimes get up super early like 3am or 4am to handle tasks instinctively before university or work starts. Well, of course then I'm tired in the afternoon. If there is a week, in which much is going on, I move oftentimes to my girlfriend and stay at hers, meeting friends and so on - my instinctive response is down to zero and I realize it always just when it's already too late and I'm in a meltdown or shutdown stage. Still working on this situation.

[@WoodshedTheory]

Sounds like you found something that works well for you. Some days I try to practice without the list

[@ramissaglam9946]

This helped me out. Thank you!

[@ModMINI]

I make a list and then do everything possible to ignore the list.

[@silentglacierfang]

The first issue with the list tip is first I need to make a list, which is often impossible. Do you have a tip for overcoming that first?

[@WoodshedTheory]

you know, you arent the first to mention this and i think it is a good point. i need to give it some more thought.

[@stinksofbeefio]

You have a really nice vibe

[@WoodshedTheory]

That’s such a nice compliment thanks

[@megbennettMUA]

Thank you I really hope these can help me. Im drowning

[@WoodshedTheory]

Hey Margaret I totally get it I hope it helps to, remember most important is to be kind to yourself

[@ilovecats21]

Out of topic but I love your hair!! Wich hair dye brand do you use?

[@WoodshedTheory]

This was lunar tides in juniper green

[@ilovecats21]

@@WoodshedTheory thank you so much💗💗💗

[@addisonhouse420]

so how exactly do i get myself to make a list with my executive dysfunction?

[@WoodshedTheory]

fair. i only make them when I have a drive to make them.

[@thecreativemastermin]

Your videos are engaging and your intonation is particularly impressive in these videos. However, in terms of script, I feel like you can get to the meat of the video a lot quicker than 1 min 30 seconds - this video's actual content started after 1:34. People are in a hurry. They tend to leave creators who don't get to the main topic of the video quickly. Very few will stick around until the end. A small suggestion to ponder upon 👍

[@WoodshedTheory]

Hi Navin I appreciate your feedback :)

[@Rowanda7361]

7:46

[@WoodshedTheory]

thanks for watching

[@RockPaperStilettos]

Then I get annoyed frustrated and repulsed at my list and will not do them oit of spite 🤣

[@WoodshedTheory]

I get it! That’s why I put so many things on it 😂 even if it’s “write list”