Executive Dysfunction

I recently wrote an exam, which actually went really well. But I was frustrated, because I knew I could do better.

After studying for the 12 months I was allowed on this course, I got an extension for 4 more months. I felt I needed more time, but a month into my extension my brain was so done.

As I think most neurospicy peeps feel, it would be amazing to be able to purposefully turn on the mode of the brain that absorbs information like a sponge. Once I spent 4 hours learning about planaria worms, I was super hyper focused couldn’t get enough information. Which yeah, is a bit of a strange interest even for me. If I could turn that mode on and off I would be an unstoppable force of nature.

Now that I took the exam and know I did well, I realise that the increasing lack of brain interest might be my cue to just TAKE THE FRIGGIN’ EXAM! There’s balances and every brain learns differently. I’m still learning how my brain learns, which isn’t even consistent day to day!

I tend to need extra studying time to do well on exams, it just takes me a little bit longer then the average neurotypicals do. So while I do need extra time, there is a point where I just need to TAKE THE FRIGGIN’ EXAM! Maybe my brain refusing to study anymore out of boredom is my sign.

I have this really fun thing too, where my Autism, or maybe OCD wants to conduct the perfect way of studying. Of course I can never stick to it because there is no perfect way. So I often study or take notes with one method, then re do it, then re do it again. Terribly inefficient. But now that I think of it, this way I do learn all my information in different ways from different points of view. It’s okay to not be efficient as long as your learning.

I’m a wanna be organized girly, but I’m actually chaotic dust devil. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it?

What are the ways you learn? Have any studying hacks?

I’m a late-diagnosed Autistic adult and I’ve always had a difficult time keeping my space tidy. Which is ironic, because I need a clean, organised space in order to focus.

I’ve tried a lot of general advice and different systems, but they’ve never really stuck. But since getting my diagnosis, I’ve been learning how my unique brain functions and how to work with it.

My main difficulty with cleaning is likely from my difficulties with executive function:

The group of complex mental processes and cognitive abilities (such as working memory, impulse inhibition, and reasoning) that control the skills (such as organizing tasks, remembering details, managing time, and solving problems) required for goal-directed behavior
“Executive function.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/executive%20function. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

It’s not uncommon to have difficulties with executive function (aka executive dysfunction) as an Autistic person.

One way to think of it is that the skills I use to keep organised and focused don’t work in the “normal” or “typical” way. Before knowing this, I’d try to make what appeared to work for everyone else (aka neurotypicals) for me work. Which always ended in frustration, and honestly still does, because I was trying to force myself to fit into a system that was not created for my brain.

“Just clean up as you go!”

I simply do not have the awareness of my actions to do this.

I’ve tried this many times, usually as a New Years resolution, and ended tired and stressed out. Doing this uses up SO MUCH mental energy. I have to stay aware of what I’m doing, while making tons of small decisions. It can also involve frequently switching between tasks, which can be irritating for me.

“Create a strict routine stick with it.“

I have lots of reasons why I’m unable to keep up with a stricter routine; chronic illness, burnout, scheduling etc. Plus I’m very good at forgetting to clean, via being focused on something else. I always end up falling behind then feeling bad about.

I also trend towards black and white; all or nothing thinking. If I can’t do it perfectly, why do it at all?

“So what does work?“

Fortunately the more I figure out what doesn’t work, the closer I become to finding out what does. I’m someone who really learns well by doing.

I know now when I set up cleaning routines, I need to be flexible. I need to do what I can with what I have (energy, executive function that day etc.). I don’t do well with strict set times, but looser ones can work. I do better batching my tasks and I try to do a small room reset in the evening as part of my winding down routine.

Done is better than perfect and doing something, anything is better than nothing.

My Neurospicy Soup

Frustrations of an AuDHD Studying for Exams

Executive Dysfunction: Cleaning Tips That Don’t Work For Me And Why