Is there a name for this?

[DragonWasp]

I struggle to start things. I could be sitting on my sofa thinking I need to get a drink/ do the washing and I just can't muster the motivation to do it. It seems like a big overwhelming task even though it's a daily mundane task. Infact I think it's worse with tasks that are easy as they are so boring/ not stimulating enough...yet I sit there unstimulated and get stuck! It's so frustrating.

I used to think it was executive functioning but I'm not sure because it's not usually with stuff that needs organisational skills.

I'm diagnosed dyslexic. I suspect I'm autistic. But I had an ADHD screening which said I have elements of ADHD which I had never considered before. I'm defo not hyperactive...quite the opposite. I love structure and routine that helps me with my struggle to start things.

Is there medication for inattentive ADHD? Or just hyperactive?

I'd really appreciate any suggestions, thoughts or resources on any of this.

Thanks

Yes stimulants work for symptoms usually more associated with inattentive as well. The main instant release ones are methylphenidate (aka ritalin) and dexamphetamine. Good luck with your screening. Hope you get some answers.

I have similar experiences. For me the term 'autistic inertia' fits.

This is a little dry but interesting: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8314008/#:~:text=The%20autistic%20community%20jargon%20of,stopping%2C%20starting%20and%20changing%20tasks.

Sounds like Inertia and trouble with Transitions. Me and my DD have the same, her more so in that she feels physically stuck beyond her control.

Oh brilliant thanks everyone. I'd never heard of Inertia. Its validating to have a name for it. Great article. 😊🙂

It was a "light bulb moment" for me when I learned that the concept of transitions in autism can include daily 'mundane' things like getting out of bed, standing up from the couch, etc, and not only 'bigger' things like starting the working day or moving house.

Thanks. Was hoping someone would answer you...I have the same issue. Badly.

What I find strange is that I was absolutely fine in a fast paced job that had lots of little admin jobs. I managed to keep up because I knew of all the deadlines and once I had started the day I was off. What I struggle with is doing anything productive at home. And it leaves me feeling so deflated. I used to think that I had an issue with being on my own but it's not that, my issue is with doing stuff. If someone is with me then it's easy to do stuff as I'm motivated by people.

I'm similar. I'm a dynamo at work but a flop at home. For me it's structure or lack of, plus burnout. I think.

The concept of 'body doubling' is an interesting one: www.additudemag.com/getting-stuff-done-easier-with-a-friend-body-double/amp/

Yeah I struggled at uni, on mat leave, not work and now I struggle with being self employed apart from the actual work bit with does give me structure. Basically I struggle without external routine.

I really don't know whether to pursue autism or ADHD diagnosis....or both.

I was thinking of pursuing an ADHD assessment but then autism was suggested by my perinatal psychiatrist so I went with that. I was diagnosed with autism in October. I may still pursue an ADHD assessment as well in the future but I am mentally exhausted at the moment for a variety of reasons so will not do so imminently.

I'm hoping for an update and more comments on this thread as I really struggle with the exact same thing. On my own I feel like I'm floating and I can't figure out what I ought to do. I've just had an ADHD assessment and assumed it was related to that but maybe it is something else?

What was the result of your assessment?

I don't know if it's ADHD or autism. I'll probs have to get both assessments anyway.