Executive function problems. Any help / solutions?

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My problems with executive function seem to be getting worse as I get older. I have both Aspergers and Cyclothymia and between the two of them my executive function seems to be deteriorating.

The main problem is with focus and planning in my day to day life. Unless something is of interest (a special interest) I have very little motivation to do anything else. My life is slowly falling apart financially. I have little interest in securing more income or work despite the likely inevitable consequences.

Is there a way to train the mind to do things that are essential to daily life? Is there some way to plan goals and work towards them rather than just drift from day to day focussing only on special interests? I think if it wasn't for my wife providing some structure in my life I would have either committed suicide or been institutionalised years ago.

Other people can't understand the issues. They see someone who is highly intelligent and a skilled software developer (my main special interest) who is also reasonably physically fit but I just drift through life with no motivation to do any of the things most people consider normal. I spend most of my time absorbed at my computer writing software; some of which I publish on my website as shareware which brings in a small income, but not enough to be truly financially independent. It is also difficult to find paid full time employment working in I.T. now because I'm 51 and the computing world is geared towards young people. Besides I have problems with social phobia and working with other people anyway and it has been a number of years since I worked in a corporate environment.

I can write lists of goals and draw up plans of action, but the following day the plans slip and I'm spending all my time on my special interests again with zero motivation to do anything else. Is there any way to break this habit? Are there any internet sites with help on how adults can improve their executive functioning?

By far my biggest problem is that I can't motivate myself to do anything that is not directly related to my special interests; even if it means I will fall into financial ruin and probably suicide in the end! It seems crazy that I'm incapable of directing my life to prevent this happening!

I look forward to hearing more replies on your thread.

I also have executive functioning challenges, and so does my son. Executive functioning is so important, but for me to do anything I don't consider interesting (or even to change out of an interesting activity), feels very uncomfortable. It reminds me of having to get out of a hot bath and plunge into an icy cold one--and it takes a lot of motivation for that.

One thing I did notice is that when I have more physical energy it's easier to be more active. So things like B vitamins, caffeine, and a fresh vegetable juice diet, help me to go through the motions of the day, whereas a poor diet or lack of sleep will make it harder.

Another thing I am trying to do is to keep my ultimate goal in mind. For example, instead of thinking about working at your computer as the activity of typing and sitting around and programming, think of it in terms of having more financial freedom. Keeping the larger goals or purposes for an action in mind helps to motivate me to do the annoying details or the monotonous stuff.

Making, updating, and visiting an ultimate goal board--with images of things you're really striving for in life (financial independence, health, free time to do the stuff you like, a comfortable house etc.) can help you to remember why you're submitting yourself to a structure you would prefer not to engage in.

Actually, I've spent my morning researching software programs to find that program you are thinking of writing. I can't find it, and I really, really need it!! ! I'll be your first customer. Seriously. I think there is a need for way more apps and software programs for adults with autism spectrum. I found tons of stuff for kids, but nothing for us. There are a few apps that are more AS friendly, but I can't find anything written exactly for us.

So, anyway, executive function is a big issue for me also. Fortunately, I have a job, so I just go there and work. Switching jobs and careers, which I would like to do, has been extremely overwhelming for me, so I don't do it. I just keep showing up to the one I have, and I'm grateful to have it.

I've been considering trying to find an Occupational Therapist to help me with executive functioning issues, like organizing my home, and planning my calendar. If I'm home, focusing on a special interest, it never occurs to me to stop and even look at, never mind add to my calendar. I've thought that maybe a monthly appointment with someone would help. If it was on a routine day, I would remember to go, I'm great about getting to anything that is routine.

Actually, gardening helps me, also. I keep bees, too, and I'm good about stopping what I'm doing to attend to the needs of critters and children. I wonder if a critter might help? A trained service hamster?