So, as many autistic people, I excel in getting stuff done tomorrow maybe.
It was relieving to find out that this is executive dysfunction rather than laziness, irresponsibility, or lack of discipline.
But the issue persists.
Having someone ordering me around helps, but that's not always available...
...Unless I'm that person, ha!
Here's what I mean. Narrating tasks and actions out loud really helps me initiate and maintain activities.
It can be:
- neutral commentary ("I'm washing a cup");
- imperative ("Wash the cup now");
- rewarding ("I'm doing so great washing this cup like a boss");
- confrontational ("How dare this stupid cup be dirty, it needs to be taught a lesson");
- religious ("God, please help me wash this cup").
It all seems to work well for me.
Now I realize that my habit of casually talking to myself is not just a quirk, but an important coping strategy.
Moreover, I think that my father (who was undiagnosed his whole life) used the same trick under the guise of constant nagging. For example, he would clean the house and be like, "Y'all just littering the place while I clean up your mess day after day", etc. etc.
I used to think he was just being mean, but his nagging could actually be a necessary coping mechanism.
Anyway, how about you? Does verbalizing things help you get going?
Last edited by Teluer on 03 Jan 2026, 12:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.