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.