AUTISM AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

[@lornajoy8765]

I really relate to this! People also comment at how organized I seem, but they don't see the huge amount of stress that goes on inside to achieve anything resembling 'normality'!

[@lornajoy8765]

By the way, you have the same chewigem as me

[@PurpleElla]

Luna Aspie thank you, that’s what’s so brilliant about this work. I put something out there, people say me too and I get the validation as well. What a fab community we are. Good taste in CHEWIGEM 😊

[@redrockasrama7215]

Thanks for sharing quality content for grown ups on the spectrum.

[@DarlikaDor]

Ditto.

[@samfish4007]

I get lost all the time as well. But I quite like it 😁. It feels like I'm stepping into another dimension. Places I've been to a thousand times , I suddenly see from a completely different perspective and somehow I always find my way back in time without major disasters and a smile on my face.

[@mikahkilgore4972]

Having all of those lists and everything sounds very overwhelming. I don’t know if I’m autistic or not, but I do have issues with executive functioning. I think having so many lists would make me less likely to do everything, though, because I would feel overwhelmed before even getting started. I guess I need to find something else that would maybe work better for me.

[@Irene-gq4jr]

I feel the same Mikah. If I write down everything I want to get done I then look at the list and can end up feeling overwhelmed and doing nothing. Through random bursts of activity my home is mostly clean and tidy. I can get myself washed, dressed and out to work every day through a strict morning routine, but otherwise my ability to organize my personal life is erratic at best and I tend to get quite anxious about things that are out of my ordinary routine, like preparing to go to a party or go on holiday. I do put events in my phone calendar or I'd clean forget about most of them.

[@Dancestar1981]

I have both Aspergers and ADHD Inattentive the executive functioning issues cop a double whammy

[@jesseanonanimous8728]

Her lists are the organization of a mother working on a PhD - that's very busy and ambitious. We can get there if we really want, but starting out, we would start with the most basic and simple schedule. Just grow it, baby step by baby step, as we become confident and capable of executing our accepted obligations and responsibilities.

[@awaken2yogawithvandanadill545]

I felt very overwhelmed hearing about the lists.

[@BelindaS]

Another way to do it is in reverse. Write down your list after you have completed each task. Then when you are done you get the reward of seeing what you accomplished.

[@theresa263]

This causes me so many issues in my marriage. My husband doesn't understand why I forget to do things. I'm so bad at organizing and planning. Managing my household chores is hell for me. I'm a scatterbrain and when I'm doing something in the back of my head in trying to repeat to myself the other tasks that need to be done after.

[@Dancestar1981]

It’s because we cannot multitask

[@wanderingohm]

100% makes sense. Ive spent years managing with lists. And when im at my most lost all i do it make lists about everything. My issue comes day to day and feeling like i need a timetable (and reminders to follow it) ive spent years feeling like i need a care plan, meal planner, automatic food shopping, sleep schedule, lists and diary. Im really lost this year and last. And ive been thinking much of what you have described is my only way forward but extreme. So thankyou for sharing your coping mechanisms, hearing ypur explaination has normalised the behaviour and makes me feel i can get on top of it all... eventually if i keep at it

[@danitrevisani]

It makes totally sense!!! I do the same with my phone! And I also check the calendary and lists obcessively. I feel that I lost more time organizing and reviewing my schedule than executing it...🤷🏽‍♀️

[@alancharlesstephens7036]

WOW, when you said about Birthdays, that really hit the proverbial nail on the head? I am just the worlds worst for that. I would write things on my hand, and guess what would still end up forgetting to look at it?!🤣🤣

[@examinestairs712]

My mum still tells my sister to message me when her birthday is coming up xD oops. Totally get this, I am so so organised at work because everything goes in a calendar. Outside of work between my partner and I we somehow cobble together daily things and weekly things, but honestly I think we could do with some more planning lol. Its taken us 2 years to even work out how to keep the house clean and make sure important jobs get done... (we are both autistic). Also I am always losing important things, which I find very distressing as people seem to assume its negligence on my part where as I have often tried really hard to keep track of things, more than others do. Finally, I have no sense of direction and can get lost going round a roundabout with a map in my hand. Loved this video :)

[@sparklesinblue5120]

Great info..i could never figure out why things were so hard for me to understand while everyone else around me seem to have no trouble at all..i couldnt remember anything as a child..i would read something and in a few minutes completely forget and i would search my brain and it seemed like there was nothing there but blank space..sometimes im doing something and my brain has no idea what my body is doing or vice versa...yet i can accomplish most things i set my mind to..i am under the spectrum just never medically tested although at this point i dont th8nk it would make much difference if i were to be tested im well over 40

[@johnvincentindustrialfotoa1775]

It may be useful to know, to validate your experiences. It may help to have a official diagnosis working with people in your life. If some people understand, may improve your relationships with them. It may help you with daily living and life decisions. I wish you the best whatever you decide for yourself. ❤

[@AuntyProton]

I use Trello with the Kanban method for to-do lists, Google Calendar for appointments, etc., and Google Keep for grocery lists, various information and notes. I can use them from my phone or my computers. I just got diagnosed (got my letter today in fact!), and I hadn't really known what executive function was. But your explanation here is so right, I do have it I realize now. I forget stuff constantly, hence the Trello/Calendar/Keep methods. I have a set to-do list at work and have told my boss that if you want something done from me, write it down!

[@jessicabenge8039]

I work with autistic adults and children and I found your video amazingly helpful. Thanks very much!! It was helpful for me too. So many cool and valuable ideas.

[@ezromation]

I can totally relate I lost so many keys as a kid even though I had it round my neck on a chain drove my Dad mad.

[@cwersland4]

Turns out I was diagnosed with PDD-NOS at 3 yr old. Diagnosed with Autism earlier this year. I have lost things and nearly lost important things and it's interesting to know I'm not the only one. I find working full time no school easier than school part time (10 credits) and work part time. I'm not sure if this is due to lack of good organization, laziness, executive functioning, etc. If you haven't already, I think it'd be interesting if you did a video on going to college with autism

[@Cat_Scratches]

Im def putting a reminder board on the back of my door. Thank you so much for that idea!!

[@audreymorse8317]

Yesterday I couldn't see the sun coming up even though it was shining. Today everything is so clear with your help 🤣 and words of wisdom. Thank you for helping the rest of us who are in the dark. Ella, you are such a beautiful person. I am grateful and thankful I have found your thread.

[@roxannmoore5323]

Oh my you so described me. I’m in my 60’s and had a TBI several years back and since then I struggle with EF issues all the time. I love your candor. Keep at it. We need you and your wisdom and humility 😊

[@SezFrancis1]

Great video, Ella. I really understood this video a lot. I’m really bad at executive functioning and as result, I have very low self esteem. We tried to get help from some autistic agencies for things like travelling independently but we had no luck. I think I’ll have a go at trying to improve and try out some bits. Thank you very much for the suggestions. 🙂✨💫

[@PurpleElla]

actingmylife I’m sorry to hear this issue has affected your self esteem. Please try to remember you are awesome just the way you are 😊

[@astridgsw]

Hey, I really could use a hug from you and you saying everything will be alright. It makes perfect sense, that's exactly what I'm dealing with and what I need to do. I also really like all the shades of purple in your video.

[@lindadunn8787]

I think creating a video on the topic of executive function on a day you were not well was very skillful and I am encouraged to continue practicing strategies as I seek a proper diagnosis. I am 67 years old and doubt my mastery of childhood or adolescent level responsibilities consistently. Your video content models success and as I understand, I feel calmer. Thank you. I think this calmness may be what hope feels like. Thank you.

[@matthewsnowdon8530]

Executive functioning could also be adhd i guess Idk i be going over todo something see something else and get distracted and then remember hours later and be like oooof

[@imme98]

I have a example of myself of having trouble with executive functioning. Last Friday, we, my father and I, went to a terrain in a city - which was in fact the place of the start and finish of the race on Saturday- to get an enveloppe which contained cycling bib numbers for a cyclosportive race. I got it in a tent, where some crew member of the organization handed me the enveloppe, with bib numbers, a sticker for important points on the route (such as the noteworthy climbs and the resting places) as well as some additional information about the ride or events organized around the ride. We left the terrain and travelled back to the hotel we would sleep that night (the hotel was more than 50 km from the starting location), with our stuff, including the enveloppe. The next morning, on Saturday, we woke up and had to breakfast early, the earliest possible was 7 am, so we were out of bed around 6:30 pm and showering and putting clothes on - for me it was the cycling jersey, shorts and shoes and socks - and went to the breakfast room at 7 o' clock. But the problem was, we had still to pack backpacks and rucksacks that held important things, like food and materials such as a pump and my mobile phone and my wallet, that I could use for the ride or that I would have with me on my back during the ride (the last was a little rucksack). So, after breakfast, we went back to our hotel room, where most of the stuff was already packed into the backpacks, but some last things needed to be packed still. Independently of each other, my father and me checked if everything - also the things not needed at that Saturday itself, because we had to go home after my ride - was packed and also if they were in the right place, based on the order of priority and similarity of products. We both had seemingly missed that the enveloppe was still on the desk table of the hotel room, so afterwards we realized that we had forgotten it when we left and locked the hotel room. Actually when my father parked the car in the city of the event and I already went outside and gathered the necessities to start the ride, while I stood next to my race bike, we came around the same moment to the conclusion that the enveloppe with the bib/rider identification numbers necessary to start and partake in the event weren't there. My father drove back to the hotel, but wanted me to stay around there in the city, as the starting location was a 100 meters walk away from our parking place and I couldn't be back at the same place as early as one and a half hours later when I would go along in the car back and forth to the hotel to get the enveloppe. My father called the hotel reception to inspect the room for the enveloppe and they said they had already found it and could copy it and e-mail me it. But as I was there and had virtually no internet connection, my father advised me to walk to the tent on the starting terrain and ask that the crew would give me new bib numbers, one for the handle-bar and one for the back of my cycling shirt. So I did, first I went to a crew member to find out if they had a second copy of my bib/starting number, but as they hadn't I went to another crew member to ask for a new starting number, that she could give me. I called my father on my mobile phone a few minutes later, while he had underwhile almost reached the hotel. I said I could start within ten minutes, when I had all my numbers and all the other things I needed in the right place for the ride. At that moment, I was struggling a little bit with putting the plate with the starting number in the right place on the handle-bar and try to solve it myself with my fingernails - that were very short - and my keys, I asked a family next to me for a tool. As they couldn't provide me any tool for cutting the tie-wraps for the plate, because the tie-wraps were set in the wrong place of the handle-bar, so that the plate wouldn't be for long in a stable position, I had to ask some crew member for a tool to solve the situation. One crew member could lend me scissors, but she first had to find it somewhere, at the moment she had found it, she handed it over to me. I used the scissors to cut the tie-wraps loose. Then I had new tie-wraps and put them in the right place on the handle-bar and I also cut the loose ends of the tie-wraps. Then I gave her the scissors back and went back to my bike. Next, while I was on my own and knew nobody there and didn't dare to ask an unknown person, I had to put my bib number on my own back with the safety pins, so that I had turn my neck and had to guess where to pin down the pins into my jersey and had to pay attention that I would not injure myself or pierce into my own skin. Then, I realized again that my bidons were still in the car with my father, so I couldn't have them for about the next hour. But as I needed them for the ride to store my water in, I called my father what to do next and he advised me to buy new bidons on the terrain where I was right then, just like what I thought about, but it was good to be sure. So the next thing was to find a stand or tent were they sold the bidons I needed. I could find a tent where I would buy two bidons for 800 ml of water. There was one noteworthy detail there: I initially couldn't pay with my bank card because my paying account balance was too low, but after I had solved that with putting more money on my paying account, I paid with my bank card for the bidons and an additional energy bar. Then I had to ask some people to give me directions for a place to fill my bidons with drinking water and when finally someone knew where I could fill my bidons with water, I went to that place and filled the bidons. Then finally I could jump back on my race bike and find my way to the start of the ride. I found the start quite fast and when I was about 2 kms underway I decided to no longer think about the stress and excitement of that morning for the rest of the ride and enjoy the moments and the landscape that I would encounter on my ride. I rode the cyclosportive race as an individual rider, so I had to decide all by myself how I would ride my ride, nobody else that I already knew was with me. That also gave me some relief/relaxation as could ride it all inside my own limits. The rest of the day went well (except that the first resting point was actually too busy for me, but I had to be there some time to get extra food and drinks) and after I had reached the finish, I found my father very soon, he was at the metal fence at the road side about 50 m beyond the finish. In some sense I have fought myself through initially dysfunctional instances of my executive functioning.

[@Sky-Child]

I am literally making a list of everything you mention struggling with that I also struggle with so I can remember to mention it when i finally get assessed for diagnosis

[@f-22r]

I was searching for executive functioning autism, and this came up. Useful video, less interesed in how to organize, more interested in the psychology and self-understanding.

[@mariai.g.r.2786]

It couldn't be more clearer. You did a great job Purple Ella! Wow, we are so similar!

[@gauntlettolife833]

Ella, that was a really practical presentation. I'll have to check out the APP you mentioned "Fantastical" . I am pretty good with organisation, the challenge I have is my Husband has ADD & this is the spanner in the works. Especially now that he works from Home. Fortunately he now has a ADD Coach so I'm really hoping that he will see how important organising & routine is because chaos is a HUGE anxiety inducing aspect fro me. I have this saying for my kids ( 3 two of which are now grown up & left Home ) that I taught each of them to be responsible for things appropriate to their age & which meant that I wasn't doing everything for everyone. This was far easier actually than trying to offset my Husband's chaos. I'm interested if there is anyone else who has a Neurodiverse Marriage & how these differences were overcome or at least managed in as little stress as possible? Thanks Ella 🙋‍♀️💜

[@CaptaNovious]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video! I´m studying at uni and having a hard time doing the "natural" things like eating regularly. I will give your ideas a try :)

[@nettie7645]

Amazing video. I watched it twice. Although I got distracted and had to refocus. This is my experience too. I get such a horrible adrenaline spike of anxiety if I think I've forgotten to do something. I spend so much of my time checking and rechecking the calendar, my emails, my alarms, the rooms, my mental list of what the kids need. But I'm also so spontaneous and change what I'm doing 10mins before. I'll write a detailed cross referenced plan of food shopping then go and buy what looks interesting.

[@hyleore]

uh oh one more reason I might be autistic -- I've been looking into it for days and I keep finding more things about me that I didn't even know could be related to autism, but are (if I am autistic I mean, I am undiagnosed) I think I struggled with executive functioning A LOT as a kid and a teenager, but nowadays, perhaps a bit like you, I've become obsessed with being organised and setting systems for being organised, which helps. although right now I'm working on my dissertation and it's this daunting task I have no idea how to tackle, might be related -- but also that's probably how everyone feels :') oh wait!!! I get lost ALL THE TIME too.

[@AppalachianAllegory]

This is great information and encouragement.

[@treespeak2848]

This is amazing! Thank you so much for this. I have serious trouble with executive functioning, but strategies were never taught in school and the problems remained invisible to me. Though invisible, they still affected me deeply.

[@salhooper]

Thanks for sharing this! I’m almost 28 and have recently realised I’m autistic and i also have several to do lists/ lists of things to buy. Everyone is shocked at how organised I am, but without them I would be extremely anxious and disorganised. I’m extremely clumsy and I always hurt myself by walking/ knocking into things etc, and I lose my phone, keys and wallet every 5 seconds. It’s so annoying and I get upset with myself but I’m trying to learn to be kind to myself.

[@agnesjoubert5310]

Thank you, you are talking out of my own mouth I have been lost for 7 years, after daughter left at 18 for university , my live was just drifting. I'm going to try one more time a pose to given up, much love many thanks and much appreciated, I am a white South African 53 yr old woman my daughter is 25 living and studying in Seattle.

[@aprildrake7958]

You did awesome girl!

[@Stormbrise]

The video made a lot of sense. Thanks. I love the idea of a list on the door about what I need to make sure I have in hand/backpack before I slam a locked door behind me. I’ve locked myself out many times, forgotten wallet, phone, car keys, books, glasses, etc. I have also learned from a man with adhd to have a basket to put theses things in my the door daily so you know where they are. So now mostly it gets lost when I’m out of the house. I saw an app on another video the other day, something called routines. It was on a passion planner video (that got too complicated for me and getting into the pretty planner thing). But the girls name is Angela Trinidad. Also, have Tigger in all your videos and I’ll make sure I watch every single one.

[@DreamKennelz]

Thank you. Truly thank you for sharing this video. As an autistic mother this video truly helps me.

[@calliopesoul3152]

Loving your videos! I wasn't diagnosed until adulthood and it took me a long time to accept it and things like your videos have helped me learn about myself and how to manage things. I'm a gamer nerd so I love the Life RPG to do list app for helping with my own executive functioning issues. It's definitely been a trial and error process of figuring out what works for me! Some people love setting a very strict timeline for their day but I personally hate it.

[@audreymorse8317]

Ella Thanks! You explain to me autistic problems I have have seen in my life. I understand now how come one can be beyond organized and getting a thousand things done a day, or how come one would be disorganized, unfunctional to extremes beyond imagination. You taught me something that I did not understand before. Now I seem to know what structure needs to take place. Hopefully, those of us who have found you , Ella, can now turn our situations around for our loved ones or ourselves because of what you have shared. You are a blessing and Thank you.

[@kimm6629]

I found this IMMENSELY helpful. Thank you for sharing your system. 🙏🏼 This all makes PERFECT sense to me. The short term memory challenges do create a lot of anxiety. “What important thing am I forgetting?” 🙀 Locking myself in my lists and routines each morning is like putting the train on the tracks. 🚂 My system is looking a lot like yours these days and is the only way to compensate for the short term memory & focus challenges. Your kids are so fortunate. Glad they are growing up with a mom who not only understands, but who can give them the awareness, guidance, and tools they need to succeed. Thanks so much for making this video for us! 💜

[@mattieh4901]

This is so incredibly helpful! Thank you so much!

[@drewharris7785]

I'm not autistic but I have learning disabilities and executive functioning deficits. My cellphone is my best friend; everything goes in the calendar (if I remember to put it in there) because if it doesn't it won't happen

[@ImaDoGToo]

It finally occurred to me to see I could train myself into executive function and I found you, amongst the many adhd videos. I appreciate your information. Did you use training tools? How did you learn and what did it take to habituate it? I can put a list and a note, but I forget I have a list and I walk right past the note blindly. 🤦‍♀️ I have reminder that I put in my phone and they come up while I’m working so I swipe them away and forget to look at them later. They’re like gnats. Quitting coffee, sugar, gluten and dairy has helped with focus a little bit. I think I’m ready to take on a serious EF training.

[@sina5800]

Thank you for this video. It makes perfectly sense to me (NT perspective). Maybe because I love to structure my life with todo-lists etc ;)

[@Luv_brd]

Thank you for your videos! This one made so much sense to me, great job babe. So relatable and inspiring! I admire your system and with the help of my awesome new therapist and your awesome videos, I hope to build more effective and consistent processes too so I can be the woman I try so hard to be. Thank you so much 🥰 Much love!

[@happytrails.]

I actually stumbled across this video looking for information on long term planning. About three minutes in you mentioned how executive functions made it difficult to a dissertation and that required planning in advance. I really struggle with stuff like that. That mention just nabbed my attention. I was wondering how you manage long term projects like that? It's hard enough if I have an idea of everything that needs to be done and put it on a schedule, I can kind of do that. What I really struggle with is when I haven't done something before and I have to have to figure out or learn all the components and how to do them. For me a long term project is often the equivalent of something like "I don't know how to play guitar and oh no I have perform at a concert in six months."

[@Juleesuz]

I understand having lists of things. I have my Grocery List, my daily to do list, my 'when I can get to it the next 7 days list', my list of weekend prep to get our family ready for the upcoming week (my husband suggested this for all 3 of us), my long-term list. This is all usually in my Bujo and I cross reference it with my Appointment Book. The manual paper Appointment Book is just that. You 'book' in your appointments and things that need to do during the day. I found some online on Amazon and have had great sucess. I'm one of those people that have Time Passage Unawareness. I too block out travel time, as we live in the country and getting to places can take at least an hour to drive. So, I block out that time as well, so I can really know how much time it actually takes. I can completely relate to everything you said, however, I have a hard time listening to people (Verbal processing) so it was helpful for me to watch your video with Closed Caption on it, and that helped. Not your fault. I appreciate your honesty and yes, I understood it all and why you do it. Very helpful video. Thank you for sharing your thoughts - even if you were not feeling well.

[@samixmarie]

It made sense!! And i appreciate it! I do basically the same thing as you with the schedule and multiple to do lists. Helps so much but I still struggle. I also have from narcolepsy as well so it's a bit hard to plan around that do I have to maintain a sense of flexibility with rigidity so I don't beat myself up too much.

[@j-r-hill]

Thanks! Great overview with detailed examples.

[@reedyriver506]

You have an adorable, somewhat childish (in a good sense), smile.

[@lindseywong9667]

My executive functioning abilities haven't been that bad but I still have problems with forgetting meds, deoderent, peoples names and faces. I also need to put more effort into making phone calls then your avg person. When it comes to important phone calls, its important for me to put my full focus plus have a pen and paper on hand. I also used to forgot keys and appointments a lot when I was younger. I created strategies to avoid forgetting those. I think its pretty impressive that you are able to take on the amount of responsibility that you take on today.

[@Pjbanana8]

This is the best. Thank you so much for making!

[@jofussh.2103]

Excellent! I found out about executive functioning and really found this video helpful. Thanks.

[@alanguest1979]

I think I’m recognising one or two things, I’m definitely going to have to check my Executive Functioning!

[@andrewprettyquick2070]

i just arrived back after getting lost on my bike. After about 2 hours of failing to find myself I just grabbed a taxi, I was only about 2 miles out. - Now, I know the motorway network like the back of my hand, but local stuff, It's miles too easy to get lost. The video made as much sense as it should, if anything it could have done with making less sense considering the subjkect matter. I think its good.

[@IAMJAG108]

Thank you Ella. This was so useful to know I am not the only one like this. All the best.

[@houseasyouseeit]

Wonderful once again! I relate very much but this also comes at a good time for my family as my son is starting to notice how his difficulties with executive functioning are affecting him. He is in his senior years of high school. I will show him this video tonight. Thank you!

[@PurpleElla]

Bite Smaller fab thank you. I love it when my video comes at the right time for someone.

[@salimtube85]

Thanks for your video. That was great to know more about executive functioning.

[@angelalindeman3222]

This was great! I feel so reassured that I'm not alone

[@priscillaanderson2949]

Very helpful, you are impressive!

[@Yetilise]

It's like we're the same person.

[@arielsmith9674]

So beautiful, a very high quality video as well.. I love the necklace honestly where can I get that? C: maybe Amazon?

[@oliviereyheramendy6409]

Great video. Everything you said made perfect sense. Please keep on doing what you do because you are great at it ! Om Shanti

[@ENoob]

It made good sense to me, I am going to try a few things and see if they help.

[@carlataylor9924]

This video was great! I agree with working out our own method to figure out how to work with our disfunction. I would love to use my phone but I know that ipp forget about it 😅 and so I'll forget about my to do lists too! Yes, I think I have to be the one who puts the gigantic banner in my kitchen saying GROCERIES SOON!! LOL!! love this, have a great Purple day!

[@BerniceHayden]

It made perfect sense! Thank you so much.

[@lnobles6148]

You're sweet! Thanks for staying in schedule even though you didn't feel well. You motivated me to make and try to stick to a daily schedule. I am not autistic, that I know - lol, but I do have trouble with daily schedules. Hope you felt better quickly

[@ifonlyunu994]

Thank you Ella. I also have struggled with executive functioning.

[@johnknox9945]

It is like we are the same person. I appreciate the tips.

[@AppaloosaHorse21]

Thank you for this video. Super helpful!💙

[@dianeibsen5994]

Aww..sweets go on you for showing up and not feeling well. So cute what you call not feeling well. I cant say what you said, but so cute!

[@KatieM786]

Wow this video really resonated with me around 4.42 when you are talking about how having systems in place can be interpreted by people outside the family home. I have a friend who always comments on how organised she thinks I am and I'm thinking inside "gosh, if only you knew...". P.S. Please could you link to the app you mentioned that has a nice interface.

[@PurpleElla]

Exactly, like people now think it is something I'm good at, when in reality it's something I'm so bad at that I have to constantly be aware and focus on it.

[@KatieM786]

Purple Ella Yes, indeed. I have often thought it doesn't help my imposter syndrome either. I'm sorry you are poorly, I hope you feel better soon 😊

[@ruth6833]

🙄no sense of direction....can definitely relate to that one!!😅

[@Dancestar1981]

Yes if others can help us with planning and direction then we can complete set tasks one at a time and be successful. My brother helped me with an action plan for tasks for me today and with assistance I was able to do all of them

[@jo34587]

Great video. Thanks!

[@francesbale1409]

Wow, you do so much! I would not be able to organise all of this i mean i am like oh i need to do my dishes ... they can wait another week right? I need a shower? I'll wait till its really socially unacceptable .... I've got a dissertation to write? Wait til 3 weeks to the deadline and spend every waking minute for that time working (still got 80) Woop, however, i should really take on board some of these ideas. A daily to do list is a great idea like even a bit less detailed and a broader one, and a to buy list, i am going to do this.

[@marydesmond2102]

Well done ,despite your cold, you described it very well.Take care.

[@nettie7645]

Oh and the birthday card thing. People hate me for forgetting. I've tried so many strategies from writing birthday cards on new years day and future dating them to paying tonnes for online services. I'm back to nit doing any cards because I have bigger priorities trying to spin many plates.

[@maysay8271]

Thank you so much 😁Very helpful!!!!

[@alanguest1979]

You're like me - I've always got bottles of Ortex and Olbas Oil on my bedside table!

[@charlottepalmer1916]

Its great to have all the lists and to be so organised, but as an autistic person who struggles with executive functioning how do you predict how long a task will take? I seem to always underpredict which adds to the chaos.

[@Dancestar1981]

You can’t predict it, due to time blindness. You actually have to set a timer and complete as much of a task as you can. And then stop it and check it and record it for everything individually.

[@radicalmallard]

I have a lot of problems with executive function. I am also really forgetful and lose things all the time :/ my mom always says that I forget things bc I don’t care about them or that I’m not paying attention, but I forget things that I enjoy all the time 🙃 I’ve tried explaining about executive dysfunction but she says that I’m trying to justify myself

[@sampreston1791]

I struggle with pampering or thinking to look after myself, that's my last thought. My partner has terrible executive functioning and I need to do all the planning and organising in the home, if we go out, time keeping and reminding him or checking him constantly because he'll still be walking around in his pants 5mins before we leave like a toddler. What I do struggle with is the shear amount I need to think about for everyone leading to my brain turning off or tearful/angry meltdowns because it's plain too much. I think I could cope with my own stuff if I could be allowed to get into a routine but it's not easy to get people to respect that.

[@michaelstapleton9312]

I get lost easily as well. Memory troubles, etc. Just heard about executive functioning from my therapist the other day.

[@vivettebuckley1154]

This has really helped thank you ❤️

[@cstartworks]

It made perfect sence.. I'm always getting lost too

[@corinnecostello3946]

Thank you for this 💜

[@marlaadamson1633]

I assumed every one did this, so when asked if I "love routine" I say no. I hate that I have to do it. I NEED to do it for success-in-the-real-world.

[@meinungabundance7696]

Not only autistic people or people with ADHD have difficulties with Executive Functions. Many, many other people have this, too.

[@relentlessrhythm2774]

To do lists and routines are essential for me to be a functioning adult.

[@kathybramley5609]

It made sense but my mind glazed over a bit when you were saying what you do that works now. I am a bit ill today. There's a virus working through my system. Right when I wanted to be leafleting and canvassing for the Labour Party but I did a bit much on Thursday and am paying the consequences. But it's still emotional especially when I became a parent I just didn't have enough of a positive base to launch that stuff and it has been a massive struggle. I feel really guilty about it all. But also angry at those around me who could see what was happening and maybe were concerned, or maybe they pretended everything was fine and more within acceptable human variations than it was or they over-reacted and were very angry and pushy in a way that would just make me shut down. It's hard to listen to any advice or "this is what works for me" through all that. Especially since it feels like the options were to do it their way or be left in the cold as the different (and maybe but we hope not hopeless) one. Ah well. As they'd say!!

[@kathybramley5609]

I managed to come a long way all the same. Things have slipped backwards. But I need to get a job, and parent in a more organised way again. And I did learn some strategies, win some battles earlier.

[@cristianpredut6824]

Hey Ella, it was so informative to hear your thoughts on this subject. One other question I have about planning is, how have you motivate yourself (especially at a younger age) to actually end one activity and move to the next one? I'm asking this because I'm trying to find the best way to help out my daughter :) Thank you for your great insides and sharing your experience! Cheers, Cristian

[@JK-ek5jv]

WOW..I have a lot in common with you. But just hearing your method makes me very anxious. I know I need more structure so I am able to remember everything I need to do, but planning my life out like this sounds like a nightmare to me.

[@LizHellsing]

I do the same thing with the lists. Almost exactly. It's the only way I function.

[@churka5984]

I have all of these problems with executive functioning and I have suspected that I might be on the spectrum for a very long time, so I'm wondering if not doing a simple easy task such as calling my dentist on the phone or sending an email to my uni professor, because the *mere though* of doing that makes me *incredibly anxious,* has to do with having ASD. I'm not an anxious person generally and I no longer find social interactions stressful, but the idea of responsibilities and duties freak me out to the point where I would rather do absolutely nothing for hours than finish a simple task and get it over with.

[@Dafoodmaster]

I think this might help alot, thank you!

[@givmarcham7915]

I love this and you doing this for us, I thank you for your bravery and strength to do this job bcoz I understand that it's hard with ME on top of everything else I understand I feel like you have helped me understand myself more than ever right now just thank you 💗 I can't express how thankful I am, Imagen me jumping up and down and flapping my arms up and down bcoz that's how happy I feel that's what I was doing just now lmfao flapping hehehe

[@rainbowdrops6869]

I always have to write down what I have to do.I don’t want to play postman between persons, I’m afraid of forgetting important things or tell something wrong.I even save birthdays in my iPhone. For shopping food Inhaber pictures in my head of what we need.i hate breaking promises, so I save my appointments in my calendar in my phone. Other promises I don’t forget.Taking medicine is difficult. In the morning my husband reminds me, and at night too. But the rest I forget. That includes eating and drinking. If I’m deep in something, all these things vanish from my brain.There are places I still loose track the way I’ve to take.Im thinking of putting picture scedules, pictures are easier to understand. In case of loosing myself completely these schedules might help.

[@lauren4522]

This actually helped me a lot cause I literally can not remember the easiest things 😂

[@kathryncollins8708]

On a side note, when I was a teen in the 70's/ early 80's, I was always worried if I wasn't worried about something, so I began keeping a pad and pen next to my bed so that I could write things down when I thought of them just so that I could try to relax enough to fall asleep knowing that if I thought of something else, the pad and pen would be there for me to write it down - that might not be the same thing...

[@PetiteMinina]

sorry my English listening is kind of bad, what was the name of the app?

[@WillVenusASMR]

Is there anything you could suggest executive functioning-wise for creating a KZbin video? I really would love to create more content for my channel, yet I really struggle putting it all together as it all feels sooo overwhelming. Then by the time I’m at the filming stage, I get absolutely exhausted! Any tips would be much appreciated 👍🏻🙏🏻✨