Post #3553623

2026-07-03 09:23 UTC

Alright, executive dysfunction folks. What are some things or strategies that *really* help you? I'm autistic and quite possibly AuDHD. I also think I'm still dealing with the aftermath of a huge burnout a few years ago. I struggle with getting myself to do things that need to be done but aren't that interesting, and sometimes even things that *are* interesting,... there's some kind of internal block/barrier I can't seem to get over to even start; I feel overwhelmed, I procrastinate, I stare into screens non-productively,... and when I manage to start, I often struggle to keep going without letting myself be distracted and/or just being bored/tired too quickly. And then I feel guilty and bad for not managing to do things... sigh. I'd be grateful for advice, links, videos or books, whatever works. #ActuallyAutistic #Autism #AuDHD #ADHD #ExecutiveDysfunction

Replies (5)

@coppercauldronart@sunny.garden 2026-07-03 10:20

@jtheseamstress@hcommons.social this is not advice for better productivity, but I recommend Devon Price‘s work to everyone. Especially the books Laziness does not exist and Unlearning shame. Here‘s Devon‘s burnout essay that I keep coming back to over and over: https://drdevonprice.substack.com/p/you-might-not-recover-from-burnout

Open ##3555899
@AutisticDoctorStruggles@mas.to 2026-07-03 09:34

@jtheseamstress@hcommons.social first of all, given the burnout context I really relate to the feeling guilty about not doing stuff that is usually my interest or fun. I personally try not to judge myself for it. I think it is not a super healthy mindset to try and maximize my time like this, even if I would benefit from it. Coming out of burnout is very hard, sometines all you can do is blob about and the guilt is not benefiting anyone, least you. I don't have super good strategies to get myself going. It is usually the absolute hardest part. Sometimes I get some second hand executive function from my partner, or I try to basically brute force myself mentally, which obviously doesn't always work or is even an option.

Open ##3626102
@RaffKarva@sunny.garden 2026-07-03 09:40

@jtheseamstress@hcommons.social I asked that same questions a few months ago; you might find the replies I got helpful: https://sunny.garden/@RaffKarva/116036714943365423

Open ##3626103
@mothling@mementomori.social 2026-07-03 09:44

@jtheseamstress@hcommons.social following this because similar situation here and I'd love to see the advice.

Open ##3626106
@nuhn@mastodon.art 2026-07-03 10:04

@jtheseamstress@hcommons.social what has been crucial for me is to figure out when it is exhaustion and when it is adhd procrastination. I thought I had to just find strategies to overcome everything. But! I've found that most times, it's because my burnout is so bad and i actually need rest. That pushing through at that moment will do more damage. And then try to be ok with that and do something nice instead. The right strategies at the right time.

Open ##3627825