Struggle being organized/responsible and tips

Post Reply New Topic

Struggle being organized and responsible (A.K.A. Executive Functioning struggles and tips)

Individuals such as those with Asperger’s and High Functioning Autism- also commonly known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), are brilliant-gifted individuals whom have the potential of really benefiting the world when successful and able to make a living doing what they are talented at. With their strengths however, also come with a fair share of challenges. These challenges make individuals struggle to find and keep a job, be successful, and even make a living independently, in spite of their gifts, which can be sad for many that have amazing potential. Many of these challenges are common among most individuals on the spectrum and one particular challenge, I am going to talk about here, is the struggle with a part of their brain that handles organization, planning, decision making, and punctuality: or in other words- Executive Functioning (EF).

Many people want to live successful fulfilling lives. Like most people, many individuals on the spectrum also take the success of life seriously. However, many who try to be successful start feeling lost, frustrated, and discouraged because they always find themselves feeling irresponsible. They often witness missing appointments and other important deadlines. They forget to do normal everyday tasks, finding themselves often loosing track of things, disorganized, and have to put considerable amount of effort when being organized. They find themselves to be told they “need to be responsible” or “be organized” or even that they need to “take life more seriously.” They often beat themselves up and feel down because they feel like they can never be totally responsible. Many will actually start believing they don’t take life seriously when in fact they actually do. It seems like when they try to be organized, it takes effort or need to have done in a rigid, consistent routine or else they will forget. These people have a hard time keeping track of multiple things. They often figure out their own their own unconventional method to keep track of things. When they figure out method of organization their comfortable with, it’s hard for them to be open to something different when having to do something new. People who struggle with these sort of things have executive functioning difficulties. In this article, I am going to talk about the issues executive functioning struggle breeds to an individual’s life and then talk about the pros and cons of different coping strategies that can help.

Issue regarded to executive functioning problems:

The first issue people with executive function struggle often encounter is disorganization. Imagine trying to be organized but find it to be a struggle. It seems like no matter how hard you try to be organized, you seem to always be living on top of a mess. Many people can relate to being messy but imagine being neat to actually be more of a struggle then it initially appears? For these individuals, being organized is taxing to the mind. The process it takes to be organized in each unique task isn’t immediately obvious. The steps don’t immediately come into fruition. Instead, effort needs to be taken. You’ll be tricked into thinking it’s easy but rushing will only make skipping crucial parts to the planning process. This can be undesirable, especially when a person is in a hurry or engaged in the middle of another task.

The second issue people with executive function struggle often encounter is unpunctuality. Have you ever been in trouble for missing an important event? People on the spectrum often deal with this on a daily basis. These individuals actually put a considerable amount of effort in trying to prevent such things from happening but to others, it appears like they are not. They often feel frustrated and discouraged. Furthermore, they miss out on important opportunities. The reason why people on the spectrum often struggle with this, is because they struggle with memory. They can be forgetful unless they write things down. If they do not write things down, it takes energy and effort to remember the event in order to prevent it from being forgotten. Trying to hold on a memory is like trying to hold onto an umbrella during a windy rainstorm; you’re trying to not let it blow out of your hand but also trying to use your hands for other things like dodging flying debris- symbolic of life’s distractions.

The third issue people with executive function struggle often encounter is having a hard time with planning. It is tough for individuals to plan or manage a project. It involves organizing thoughts in different parts of the brain, often from different brain centers. The autistic brain is wired to focus on one idea at a time on a more intensive kind of level. Furthermore, it takes more effort for an autistic individual to switch from one brain center to another. They do have the ability to see the “bigger picture”, but it can be more of a struggle to do so. This can make planning a project at work, or a casual event like a party, hard at times. When it comes to planning an event, people on the spectrum are more detail oriented; they like planning a specific part of a project like photographing animals for example.

The fourth issue people with executive function struggle often encounter is difficulty when it comes to making decisions. For the same reason it’s hard for individuals to plan projects, it is also hard for them to make decisions. Many individuals when put in a situation that involves making important decisions, they may have trouble deciding which decision is best. Their thinking involves ways that try to cope with their struggle of switching brain centers. This often involves careful timely focus and thought in one aspect of a choice and then strong assessment in another area of the choice. When comparing this mental process of decision making to a typical none-autistic mind, the assessment jumps around all over the brain at different brain centers faster and more so at the same time. However, they’re activated centers in the decision making process are less focused but they are able to see the “bigger picture” quicker. As a result, people on the spectrum need more time to make decisions. Once they finally make a decision final, it’s not uncommon for them to realize factors later on in which they wish they thought of earlier- causing them to change their mind.

The fifth issue people with executive function struggle often encounter is stress and anxiety. All the issues mentioned so far, are obviously things related to struggle and this in return could make an individual stressed and experience anxiety. If you are on the spectrum or know others who are, have you ever witnessed or experienced frustration but don’t know why? This could most possibly be one of the reasons. There’s careful focus an individual must fallow when trying to remember deadlines or how to structure something in order to avoid forgetting and this can be stressful. When an important deadline is forgotten, it is even more stressful and frustrating! Your feel mad at yourself and other people are, of course, mad at you. The bottom line is anger, stress, and anxiety is an underestimated byproduct towards executive functioning struggle.

The sixth issue people with executive function struggle often encounter is an interesting compensation that goes towards the other end- extreme organization. Anxiety can be one byproduct, a second byproduct to executive function is that some people cope by actually being overly organized! In order to not be disorganized, they may cope by learning rigid procedures. They learn unconventional methods to help them and then stick with them. Oftentimes these methods them help them organize and be reliable individuals might seem as obsessive compulsive. Individuals may try to be overly neat, or fallow rules obsessively. Some might take considerable time color coding there notes in class. Maybe some will carefully organize their books by specific subject. They may put their things in specific drawers will labels, and if one thing gets put out of place, they could suddenly express anxiety. Some might carefully plan their day with time blocks. For example, they might eat everyday lunch at a specific time and stick to it. This might seem silly for some, and a lot of unneeded effort taken, but it is immensely helpful to the individual in regards to assuring reliability.

Methods and coping strategies for executive functioning and their advantages and disadvantages for each:

The first method and coping strategy that people with executive functioning struggles may find helpful, is using a planner. Daily and weekly planners are helpful. They are portable, can be carried anywhere, and have spaces for each day and week in advance for things to be written down. This is a great way to be organized and reminded. However, one downside is that the planner has to be with you if you need to write something down. Even though it is easy for a planner to be carried into most places, it is not easy for it to be carried everywhere. For example, certain situations may call for things to be written down where the planner is not available. Trying to remember it until the planner is available can be difficult and can actually discourage the use of using it. In addition, there is the risk of forgetting to bring the planner or losing it somewhere. Moreover, writing things in the planner can be time consuming because the planner has to be opened up and flipped to the right page- this takes time! This might sound like a silly disadvantage, but even a half minute’s worth of time can significant discourage someone in wanting to use it- especially when busy.

The second method and coping strategy that people with executive functioning struggles may find helpful, is using a calendar. Calendars are great to organize and use for pencil storing future reminders for future events. However, the disadvantages are that they only can be used where ever the calendar is hung up. If you need to quickly write an important event before it gets forget zoned, you need to be at the nearest wall where the calendar is making its home to.

The third method and coping strategy that people with executive functioning struggles may find helpful, is writing a to do list on a sheet of paper. A piece of notebook, printer paper, or even a sticky note can serve as a great alternative to bulky slow-flipping planners, or a large static calendar. A piece of paper can always be at your service. It’s light weight, cheap, and can be folded up into different shapes big enough to put into a pocket. In spite of the advantages, there are disadvantages too. Like planners, you can lose sheet as well. Sheet of paper can have the tendency of being lost or misplaced more then anything. It’s tempting to set down papers or accidentally through them out. Lists on paper can end up continuing on other sheets because previous ones end up missing. Careful attention needs to be made when keeping papers organized and with you at all times because this very statement probably does sound silly to you right now and that’s why you’ll end up losing them! Furthermore, planner have the ability to all the deadlines together in a past to future order. If you desire saving your lists, you need to plan additional methods in filing them. Moreover, with every piece of paper, you also need something to write with. Storing writing utensils in your pockets can be dangerous. It doesn’t matter which direction it is pointed, if you trip and fall it could stab into your gut, organs, or worse heart if pointed up, or other crucial places down south if pointed downward.

The forth method and coping strategy that people with executive functioning struggles may find helpful, is writing a to do list on index cards as an alternative to paper. Index cards have the same advantage of a sheet of paper but with the additional advantage of it being smaller, rigid, perfect size for writing lists and fitting into your pocket. They can be purchased in different colors, filed into card holders, or put in nice card filing systems. However, like paper, they can still be misplaced easily. You will again also need a writing utensil to accompany it.

The fifth method and coping strategy that people with executive functioning struggles may find helpful, is writing list using Smartphone. Papers, planners, and index cards can easily be lost, a calendar may not always be at your vicinity, and a writing utensil may not always be with you. However, a Smartphone generally will be. It is a good alternative with many different advantages. A smartphone is portable and has a significant less chance of being lost compare to pieces of paper. Psychologically, people hold on to their smart phones like babies and keep track of them better because they are more valuable and expensive. This might seem like an obvious reason but there are many less obvious reasons too. You can write lists without a pen on your Smartphone with a built in word processing app or download other apps that are great for organizing. Such apps include planners, calendars, and sophisticated ways to write and organize lists. In spite of the advantages, these advanced organizational aides can also leave you still left in the dark when the battery goes dead. You cannot always rely on Smartphones 100%. In addition, writing stuff down on a smart phone takes a longer process compared to pen and paper. Moreover, it is harder to write things on a Smartphone because you’re dealing with typing on a pad with various lighting conditions and glare. It can be difficult to see smaller text. This may not be a noticeable issue when texting your friends but it is when writing things in the form of a list. Opening up an app, even as a shortcut, and writing important dates on a sudden moment’s basis on an electronic device can actually be quite difficult if needed to be done quick.

The sixth method and coping strategy that people with executive functioning struggles may find helpful, is using reminders on Smartphone, watches, or other portable devices with that feature. The above strategies mentioned so far are great but they all lack one fundamental advantage that is crucial to helping people not forget a deadline- the lack of any kind of alarm or notification to wake you up from a daydream. Smart phones and watches give you the ability to remind you of upcoming events during that day and in advanced notice. Even when perfect lists that are written flawlessly, there is still the chance to forget the list. After all, if you don’t remember an appointment, there’s a higher chance you’ll assume there’s no appointment and not check the list. An alarm system could save the day. Smartphones often have built in calendar apps that give you the ability to set alarms on specific days. If you don’t have a calendar on your phone that can give reminders, you can still remind yourself by setting a timer on the clock settings go off around the deadline. Usually a simple beep is enough to get you remember an appointment even if it’s not written down specifically. Watches are useful in the same way in that they can be set to have alarms go off. However, keep in mind that Smartphones and watches aren’t 100% reliable, they still get its power from a battery. Furthermore, you don’t want to rely 100% on the alarm and then forget to bring your phone.

The seventh method and coping strategy that people with executive functioning struggles may find helpful, is relying on other people. Papers can be misplaced; Smartphones with apps and alarms can run out of a power. Caring people, however, can always be a great alternative energy source. A good buddy can also be a good method of a reminder system. If you have a close friend, roommate, a spouse, or live with your parents, don’t forget that they can help keep you on track if they don’t already. Sometimes other people will remember a specific date better then you can. We’re all human and we all make mistakes but two humans can lessen that chance. Of course, don’t rely on them 100% either. Other people will forget too, especially when it should be your responsibility in the first place!

The final method and coping strategy that people with executive functioning struggles may find helpful, is actually not a tool this time but simply using more than one of the tools already mention the same time. Using multiple strategies can help counter the weaknesses of each individual strategy. Since different methods have its disadvantages and can still make organizing tough, using multiple methods is helpful. For example, if you like using Smartphones for its calendar to remind you, but find it slow to write lists, you might find also having a piece of paper or note card with you to be helpful. The note card can also be used as a list to transfer specific long items on a calendar at home. In this example, three strategies where used to help eliminate some of the potential pitfalls that using just one strategy could bring. This may sound kind of an obvious; however, many people do overlook this suggestion. This final tip does also have disadvantages as well. It can make organization tougher. Relying on multiple items for organization and reminders can increase the challenge of keeping these tools organized as well! Multiple tools will also increase the challenge of keeping track of them and not losing them. After all, your keeping track of more than one item. This can quickly make organization as a whole tougher and make people more discourage again about organization as a whole. This might sound somewhat absurd when I say “discourage organization as a whole”, but this is actually true. People will actually stop using any method of organization if they feel it takes a considerable amount of effort to use it. Remember, it takes more effort for a person on the spectrum to switch focus from one thought to another and this includes having to stop whatever they are doing to write something down. So in summary, this strategy may be helpful for some but for others, sticking to one strategy might be better.

You have now probably noticed something in regards to the different coping strategies: there is no perfect method. Each method has its advantages that can be helpful but also have its drawbacks that can pose risk into not using it. There is, however, a best method for everyone. The best method is actually different for each individual. The best way to tell which method works best for you, is to simply try it. If you find it’s not helpful, try a different method. If you find two methods work, do them both. It’s not about trying to look fancy or cool, it’s about finding your most effective method in helping you be organized, responsible, and happier individual as a result! There will be a method that will best fit for you. But remember, there isn’t a perfect method, you’ll still have to exercise executive functioning efforts regardless of what method you choose, but out of these strategies, there will definitely be one that will help you the most. You might even come up with your own strategies as well. As long as it works, use it!

People on the Autism Spectrum often struggle with keeping things neat, being organized, and remembering appointments without putting in a considerable amount of effort. Many individuals often have a reputation of being irresponsible, believe their irresponsible themselves, but in truth they are responsible individuals in their blood they just struggle to do it because of their condition. This has been known to be called Executive Functioning struggles. I discussed many different challenges that EF can cause to an individual. I also discussed many different strategies that are helpful. However, I strongly emphasized the disadvantages of each strategy so people can be aware of the pit falls to help them decide which tool or tools will work best for them. If you know any other information about Executive Functioning struggles that I did not mention, or know of any other helpful tools and strategies that help people cope with this struggle, please comment and let everyone know. My goal is to provide insight to those struggling in areas similar to me and if you find there is anything I didn’t mention and thus mention it, please share. I want to the world to be a better place with a reduced amount of suffering because I truly believe suffering can be let go if we truly learn how. I hope you find this article as well as others I have written so far to be helpful! Thanks for reading.
James Edwin Hackett IV

Exective functioning issues also involve problems with "multitasking", initiating things, inhibiting oneself. poor natural "multitasking" abilties is often the root cause of other executive functiong issues such as planning. Sensory sensitivities may be a root cause of some of the issues associated with executive dysfunction.

That is so long you could have it published into a book but I guess it was interesting but I only read half of it to be honest.