AUTISM AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

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

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'!

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.

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...🤷🏽‍♀️

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

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.

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?!🤣🤣

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

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.

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 :)

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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 😊

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

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.

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. 🙂✨💫

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