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Focusing on work and not being overwhelmed

Wombles

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.

Parents

  • 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.

Reply

  • 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.

Children
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