Executive Dysfunction/Task Problems in Work Environment

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Hello everyone -
A friend of mine who is on the spectrum is experiencing something at work that I generally think of executive dysfunction, although it could be something else (I experience the same thing he does and call it ED).

Essentially, he will have tasks to do that he knows are easy and will be done quickly if he does them, but when he tries to start he just can't get himself to do them. He is wondering if, or how, he should communicate this to his supervisors or coworkers. Also, he is generally looking for advice from those of us who are also on the spectrum for how we might overcome this issue in our own experience.

I have offered my general advice that for me, I find it helps to break down tasks by figuring out which would literally be the easiest to do, right in that moment, even if it's just organizing my emails or closing tabs in a browser, and sometimes that momentum carries me into working on the small tasks that were getting put off. But please share your experiences in this subject!

*CLARIFYING NOTE* he has not disclosed to his workplace that he is on the spectrum and is not currently comfortable doing so, for context! Thanks ~

Bundle them and make them one task.

I would find out why he can do a large task and not a small one. Once you have that frame, then create one that will allow him to the tasks. I am not sure explaining to people why he cannot do small, easy tasks is going to be very well received.

I agree with Jiheisho. In order to know how to help him, it's necessary to understand the cause of his struggle. And it would be best to avoid bringing this to his employer's attention only as a last ditch effort. Such receiving warnings about failures to complete tasks.

He definitely should not do that unless he's in some kind of sheltered employment situation for seriously disabled people. Not knowing how to even start a job task is way beyond what most employers can or will accommodate, so telling others at work about this could easily get him fired.



Like the others have said, he needs to figure out what exactly the problem is. Are the task instructions too vague? Is he overwhelmed by the number of steps? Is he being given too many different kinds of tasks to do at work?