Published on 12, July, 2020
I'm having one of those days (and often do!) where I have a big task to complete (my dissertation), but just can't concentrate. My mind keeps wandering, I'm procrastinating, and I feel like I'm not sure where to start.
Does anyone have any tips on getting yourself to focus when you're struggling with concentration?
I thought autistic people were usually the opposite, but realise some have this problem, which seems a bit like ADHD or having other worries that fill the mind and being unable to get priorities correct.
I find I often put things off and don't plan then stay up all night once I get in to it. Usually the night before it's due to be submitted!
DaveAsperg said:I find I often put things off and don't plan then stay up all night once I get in to it. Usually the night before it's due to be submitted!
I've always been a "crammer" too - whether it was with my homework for school, or even profoundly important things like applying for benefits when I'm on the verge of homelessness, or making a doctor's appointment after my usual month of "waiting in agony to see if it goes away by itself."
I think you're right about the ADHD type tendencies (at one time you couldn't be diagnosed with both because they were though to overlap.) From talking with people who are diagnosed with ADHD on other forums, I get the impression that quite a lot of autistic people have traits very similar to the "pure inattentive" form of ADHD (i.e. without the impulsiveness and hyperactivity.)
Do you find that the cramming stresses you out? It's so odd - I know that I could help myself by just getting the task(s) done, but the more I worry about it, the longer it takes me to get started. It's a vicious circle.
I never learn either.
Yes, exactly that! I tell myself over and over again "you're only making things worse by procrastinating", but I never quite seem to learn.