Focusing on work and not being overwhelmed

I am studying for the first time in many years at the moment and part of that involves me having to review a number of documents and sources in order to then write a report.  I am however finding this tough for a number of reasons:

  • I am procrastinating in starting writing as I don't now how to start
  • My focus can drift sometimes
  • I find it really hard to read and absorb the content of a document. I am fine if I take notes, but I just can't seem to take in stuff when I am reading it
  • I am feeling overwhelmed by the weight of evidence and documents I need to consider in order to produce my reports.

I have been here before when studying and the stupid thing is that once I actually start doing it, it does actually work out.  But I am really struggling with this at the moment and I wondered if anyone had any strategies to help with maintaining focus, managing the feeling of being overwhelmed and reading and absorbing what you are reading?  I don't know if this related to my autism or because I am a really bad student, but it is a recurring problem I have had for years which makes me think it is autism related.

As always, I am keen to hear insight and experiences from you wonderful people.

  • PDA !  PDA !  PDA !  PDA !  PDA !   PDA !

    Defined as either "Pervasive Demand for Autonomy" or "Pathological Demand Avoidance."

    I think you might want to investigate these terms and see if anything jumps out at you / resonates with your life experience.

    Good luck.

  • When your focus starts to drift maybe then is a good time to take a break. I find that when my focus starts to drift if I stop for a break when I get back to things I'm refocused. Maybe this will work for you as well.

    Instead of putting off your writing maybe just jump straight into it and see where it takes you and what you can get done. I find the more you put something off and the longer you wait the harder it is to actually do it. I imagine it like a wall that keeps getting taller every time you walk away from it.

  • I like to make notes as I go along, maybe having several pieces of paper if there are different things or themes to look for. I find a large amount of text daunting as I read slowly in order to take in what I have read. 

    It also helps me with tasks to have goals, so coffee beak or a walk.

  • Could you set a time limit like for 25 minutes I will study then I will do something else?  You may find that once you get into studying you don't stop for an hour or so.

  • This is something I struggle with too. I am no longer studying, but even mundane life admin tasks can result in similar procrastination and an inability to focus.

    Once I get get into the task I can on occasions achieve a state of hyper focus. In that state I suddenly become very capable and will pursue the task to the end. Sleeping and eating are no longer important as my brain is focussed 100% on the task.

    In the past when I was studying I found it easier to work through the night, less noise and distractions.

    Maybe you could try and identify what your focus is drifting to. Then do whatever you need to to try and block out that 'distraction'.

    If the volume of documents is too much it may help to break them down into more manageable chunks. Autistic brains work best when focussing on one thing at a time. Too many conflicting sources of evidence can quickly become too overwhelming.