Multi-tasking

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Ok, because its always a question that is asked.

I am not sure what the answer is because there is one time when I do two things at once.

When im on the computer I always have a film, tv or music on because I don't like hearing other sounds.
However if I'm doing something on the computer then I have no idea what the song is or whats happening in the film or program and if im paying attention to the film then I can't use the computer at the same time.

Thats the only time I 'multi-task' but I don't think I do because im not able to take in two lots of information at once.

I get in trouble a lot for being asked to do something or bring something down stairs but if im already doing something then I just don't take it in and end up not doing it but I either don't hear them or it completley leaves my head.

I don't think that is multitasking either.

I'm pretty sure it is not actually.

If you were to multi-task, you'd pay attention to both the film/music and the computer. You'd be able to 'share' your attention to film/music and computer at the same time.

But it sounds like you can just 'shut out' the noise a film or the noise that music makes.

I think I'm actually quite good at this; I can pay attention to what my hand is doing in the silverware drawer, while my other hand is putting a knife in the knife block, and closing the dishwasher with my foot. (did that this morning). I developed this skill late in life, and it's only a recent thing. But I enjoy it immensely :D

It depends....but lets say I am on the computer and watching TV. I can really only pay attention to one of those things and the other thing gets zoned out. But isn't that the same for everyone?

I can't multitask at all. I thought it was just because I was a guy, but I guess not

I suppose that is one thing I can coordinate without too much effort, though it took a bit of practice to be able to do. I can even sing at the same time, as long as it's something I've practiced enough to have completely memorized. I'm guessing it has something to do with muscle memory taking over where your conciousness fails. Like if someone asks me how to play a song, it's a lot harder for me to explain how, but if I take the guitar and show them, my fingers automatically know where to go.

like me and my Rubik's Cube. :D

Except for autistic people usually. Usually, (non-autistic) people without any sensory issues are perfectly able to shut out all kinds of noises and noise-levels. They filter a lot of stimuli out.

In people with sensory issues (not just autistic people) this filtering process is not working right.

Generally the problem is that multitasking freezes or overwhelms an autistic person. When they're supposed to do one thing but are talked to or hear talking at the same time, they may be unable to proceed. They just can't concentrate or even think any more.

So, err, example...? Let me think.

It's really hard to 'shut out' talking if I am supposed to think. Or eat. That just doesn't work.

It can even get problematic to talk myself or hear talking/hear other noise and walk at the same time. Most annoying.

(But I do have a need for certain stimuli. At levels that drive all other people insane. (Computer on, TV on, music on or else I cannot concentrate!) Now that is very AD(H)D-ish. I asked around and many autistic people said they could never ever concentrate by this. Neither can most 'NT's.)

I certainly have a huge issue with human-noise. A word, a sneeze, it'll shut down my mind. I cannot 'shut out' this noise, my hearing will not filter. I hear every breath. Whisper. Rustle of clothes. Tapping of feet.

I also have no clock in my room, as I hear the ticking of clocks 24/7. People without auditory issues do not hear the clock after a short amount of time any more. Unless they are reminded of the existence of the clock. Then they start hearing the ticking again.

Same effect as that many do not smell how stinky a room is any more when they sit in it for a couple of minutes.

I only freeze up if I'm INCREDIBLY overwhelmed with multitasking...if it's something simple like mixing soup while reading the recipe, I'll just stop doing one while I do the other. Music and computer at the same time, I just pay attention to one or the other (unless the music is really loud).

Clock ticking, I take the batteries out

The only things I can think of where multitasking causes me to freak out are ones that are being forced upon me...like driving, or being supervised while working.

To me employer that looking for mult-task are the one that are cheapskate.

They want a person who can do double production for the cost of 1 employee hourly salary.

Wow I've never heard anyone else with the clock problem.
We've had phone-calls because people have had clocks go missing after we have stayed there and I have either taken them out the room or put them in cupboards

I can't multi-task (eg. talking and reading at the same time, watching TV and eating at the same time and so on).

hmm, I absolutely can not read while there is noise in the background :S

Can you multi-task? No.
Can you sort of multi-task? Nope. Yet for some reason I keep trying to. It always sends my brain into shut-down and I end up sitting there/walking around very confused and with a blank mind.
Why do you think it is you can/can't/struggle? I can focus on one thing OR another. I can't talk to someone AND watch TV, I can't even do one thing while remembering I have to do another. It's one OR the other.

And Mum likes to remind me about how I'm going to do horribly later in life and I'm going to fail at everything I do because of it.

Can you multi-task? No.

Can you sort of multi-task? No, but I can fake it quite well at work, I have learnt to breakdown projects into distinctly defined tasks and these in to subtasks (usually with a spreadsheet), and I then treat each independently - from the outside people think I am multi-tasking (which keeps my boss happy).

Why do you think it is you can/can't/struggle? No idea why I cannot multitask - I guess it is brain wiring - when do attempt multitasking I end up stressed out and having a meltdown!

Hell, I can't walk and chew gum at the same time. What chance do I have with watching TV and talking on the phone at the same time?

I cannot multi-task, which is one reason (as well as poor spatial awareness and poor depth judgement) why I find driving so difficult. Changing gear, using the pedals, steering, putting the indicator on/off, looking in the mirrors and looking at the road all within a matter of seconds is enough to make my brain want to leave the country. With practice, I am getting better at this, so there's hope for us all.

come to think of it, I really can't do anything while there's ambient noise :S