How Adults on the Autism Spectrum Can Cope with Daily Duties and Executive Difficulties
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Daily tasks – when ordinary activities become a challenge
You are lazy, disengaged, indifferent and disorganized. Do you sometimes or even sometimes not hear such phrases about yourself? Is it really so, or is it difficult for you to function in everyday situations due to obstacles that are difficult to overcome? They can be neurological in nature, related to neuroatypicality. In fact, you may have a different perception of time and a problem with managing it. In addition, you have difficulty planning and starting actions, even when you have a high level of motivation to do so. Multi-step instructions can cause confusion and forgetfulness. And the changes that appear cause stress, anxiety and withdrawal.
The brain in action – the neurobiological basis of difficulties
The link between autism spectrum disorder and difficulties in executive function is rooted in brain function. Studies show that the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for them in Autistic people, reveals a different structure of connections. This has to do with planning, memory, and emotional regulation. In addition, the often co-occurring ADHD can exacerbate these problems even more.
Executive functions – a control system for everyday decisions
Executive functions are a set of basic skills that are necessary for planning, organizing and performing tasks. It is a control system that is supposed to manage what is needed to act: from the simplest activities to complex projects. It consists of working memory, i.e. maintaining and processing information in the mind. The next component is cognitive flexibility: the ability to adapt to the variability of situations and new challenges, switch between tasks and think about problems from different perspectives. Another element of the system is impulse control and focus on the goal, ignoring distractions. There is another important element: planning and organization. When executive functions do not work well, various types of efforts become very difficult to implement.
Support strategies – tools and routines to make life easier
In the strategy of dealing with such problems, it is important to use time management tools. These can be planning apps, timers, lists of daily duties and tasks also with a time frame, if necessary. It is also important to organize the environment in terms of sensory conditions to minimize discomfort and difficulties in focusing attention on what is important. Stress and increased anxiety can make it very difficult to cope with tasks. Therefore, relaxation techniques, as well as taking care of a healthy lifestyle, i.e. physical activity, sleep and diet, can alleviate such states. It is also important to manage the schedule, stick to predictable routines and schemes, as much as possible, to limit disruptions in action. And when disorganization occurs, it is worth having a lifeline in store: pre-prepared ways to find yourself in such a surprising situation and methods of coping with it.
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