Are you on automatic pilot?

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I realize how much I rely on routine when the routine is disrupted even a little bit. I was able to start work later than usual today and just because of that I found myself being more disordered and confused. It's ironic that I actually have more time but because my morning routine didn't progress the same as usual I kept forgetting things and couldn't get my act together. I don't consider myself one who has to follow rigid routines, just the normal habits everyone falls into. Waking up at a certain time, coffee,news, shower etc., but when that mundane routine is altered I don't know what to do next. It's like my automatic pilot is suddenly off. Can anyone relate? Would this meet the diagnostic criteria for behavior?

I can definitely relate! I do not have to follow a strict timeline guarded by bells and buzzers, yet an interruption or circumstantial change in the usual routine can sometimes throw me off even to the point of being a bit off-track until beginning all over again the next day. Also, I can become completely scattered by "surprises" such as when my wife and I make a trip planned for going to one or two stores and we end up making yet another stop or two that were not on the original schedule.

Same here.. I don't think of myself as relying on routine either, and I don't mind change, but it's like... something changes, and my brain just falls apart. OTL;; Recently I had a big bandage on my arm, and I went to take a shower, and for some reason I was so thrown by the presence of the bandage that I got in the shower with my underwear on.;

Anything that becomes routine, goes on autopilot. It makes my family so mad at me, if one little thing interrupts my morning routine, I end up forgetting to lock the door, losing something, leaving my cell phone at home, etc.

wigglyspider, that's exactly like something I'd do, LOL!

We've been painting our kitchen, and had to move the microwave to the living room. It only took 2 weeks for the new location to get entered into my "Aspie autopilot database" apparently, because it's been moved back to the kitchen for a week now and just this morning I walked towards the living room with something to nuke. I caught myself after a few steps and felt so pathetic!

I'm dealing with disruption of routine this morning. I guess I'm lucky that my job is so flexible, but it gives me more opportunity to break the routine. Now I'm having a hard time getting it together. I should probably get off the computer.

Sometimes at work I need my routine like a security blanket, other times I realize how dependent on routine I am and try to force myself to change how I do things, but I have to be ready for it. Having my routine change by force can be very unnerving, and it takes me a while to get sorted out.

I don't have this - Mainly because I got ADHD and Asperger's. I constantly act on impulse, and thus have problems with routines.

Is it the H part of ADHD that gives you trouble in that regard Antonius? I have ADD but it is inattentive type. My brain is like an engine that stalls if it idles too long but also like an engine that floods too easily.

what's automatic pilot mean?