ASD/ADHD fatigue

[M11]

So I’ve tried to research this and can’t find much on the specific topic I’m wondering if anyone ever experiences anything similar.

During my working days I’m full of action and am very productive at what I do but on days off when I don’t go out to do the shopping or something with my partner I’ll watch a few episodes of something and then get bored. After that If I’m not doing anything that requires a bit of mental stimulation I’ll have a NAP and wake up feeling more fatigued but I know for instance if I was in work I would be fine to do all the tasks that were required of me so it all feels a bit strange.

Does anyone else experience anything similar?

 

[Thinx]

Yes definitely, to me it's something about structure, but could also be about needing to rest from interacting. In terms of structure, I am thinking of the executive function side of things, where the issues also seem to slide into ADHD territory.

There's a need to structure what I do at home, and its not my strong point. At all. At work that does have to be done, but elements of structure are usually there, and deadlines, and specific tasks with relevant resources, and colleagues, (let's not forget them heh heh.) But at home, I have to supply all the structure myself, also working with the unknowns of how my partner's day will be each day.

I have a writing task I am working towards, but it's quite hard to settle to it. I find it hard to concentrate more than a couple of hours at a time. So I do that, and it is getting easier now.

While I m here, just to say, you asked me something recently via messaging but my tablet can't deal with the formatting of that type of message, at present, so I couldn't respond! I can't start up private messages either now on this, it's an outdated device I guess. I'm putting off the trauma of getting a new one. So, apologies about that, I can respond to a thread, that's all at present.

 

[Neonatal RRT]

Autistic burnout is a real thing. Being self-aware is first step towards recognizing YOUR warning signs, triggers, etc. early in the course,...so you can intervene and get yourself out of your "funk" earlier vs. later.

 

[M11]

Yes definitely, to me it's something about structure, but could also be about needing to rest from interacting. In terms of structure, I am thinking of the executive function side of things, where the issues also seem to slide into ADHD territory.

There's a need to structure what I do at home, and its not my strong point. At all. At work that does have to be done, but elements of structure are usually there, and deadlines, and specific tasks with relevant resources, and colleagues, (let's not forget them heh heh.) But at home, I have to supply all the structure myself, also working with the unknowns of how my partner's day will be each day.

I have a writing task I am working towards, but it's quite hard to settle to it. I find it hard to concentrate more than a couple of hours at a time. So I do that, and it is getting easier now.

While I m here, just to say, you asked me something recently via messaging but my tablet can't deal with the formatting of that type of message, at present, so I couldn't respond! I can't start up private messages either now on this, it's an outdated device I guess. I'm putting off the trauma of getting a new one. So, apologies about that, I can respond to a thread, that's all at present.

Yes that makes a lot of sense as my work life is a lot more structured than my day to day life which in turn leads to procrastination from time to time. For instance over the past few days it’s been my turn to do the house chores like the dishes etc. I had planned to do them on Friday but after work me and my partner watched a few episodes of a series we're on which finished about 10pm and I was in work early so I said “I’ll do them tomorrow” after work on Saturday we went straight out to get some food shopping, then cooked it and had a movie night with a few drinks “So it turned to I’ll do it Sunday” Today came around and my partner was studying downstairs so I made the mistake in staying in bed researching until 1pm came down watched 2 LOTR episodes with her then she went to study and I felt a bit tired which turned into a NAP 6-8 and I felt so fatigued after it so have just stayed in bed since. I’m off work tomorrow on holiday so they will definitely get done once I’m refreshed but as you can see it’s a vicious circle of procrastination.

I hope the writing task gets easier for you and I like the element of you breaking tasks down which could be something I look into.

No worries it was just a post you made that really resonated with me and you seem to have a lot more experience in the topics than myself.

 

[M11]

Autistic burnout is a real thing. Being self-aware is first step towards recognizing YOUR warning signs, triggers, etc. early in the course,...so you can intervene and get yourself out of your "funk" earlier vs. later.

This is a really informative video thank you! As it’s hard to describe the difference especially to other people to express when you’re overtired at specific times. I must of been slowly approaching burnout then which I wouldn’t of realised I’ve been working in my new job for a month now and I’m non stop anyway but I’ve been that bit extra trying to get some of my handy processes to stick in this new site. As for wanting to do stuff I feel like it’s been all work the last few weeks and I’ve ate more junk food than normal as it’s been an easy option! I’ve got a week off this week so I’m looking forward to going the gym again tomorrow it’s been a while so it will be nice to get back into a routine again.

 

[GypsyMoth]

This is a really informative video thank you! As it’s hard to describe the difference especially to other people to express when you’re overtired at specific times. I must of been slowly approaching burnout then which I wouldn’t of realised I’ve been working in my new job for a month now and I’m non stop anyway but I’ve been that bit extra trying to get some of my handy processes to stick in this new site. As for wanting to do stuff I feel like it’s been all work the last few weeks and I’ve ate more junk food than normal as it’s been an easy option! I’ve got a week off this week so I’m looking forward to going the gym again tomorrow it’s been a while so it will be nice to get back into a routine again.

Hi @MD1, wow, have we got a lot in common! Tomorrow starts week 4 for me at my new job. We had a three-day weekend and what have I done? (Besides surfing the web?) Let's see... Friday I took a nap from 1-3, Saturday another 2 hr. nap, and today, I slept soundly from 3-5. And when I get up, I am exhausted. (I am thinking about turning in early. It's only 6:30!) And I have this dread about going in to work tomorrow.

On the junk food front, I had been doing very well on a no wheat, no dairy, no sugar diet. (I lost a ton of weight! Well, stress helped a bit. But I lost a ton of weight!) Since coming to work at my new job, I am surrounded by junk food all day. Now, most people might say I am being 'good' by having just one [whatever]--but that 'just one [whatever]' has caused me to gain back 15 pounds in 3 weeks! For me it's probably more than junk food--it's probably stress eating.

Hope you can find yourself in a new routine soon. That and the regular exercise will go a long way to helping you avoid junk food altogether. Sorry that I can't say anything either way about burnout. All I know is that it can linger for a while.

 

[M11]

Hi @MD1, wow, have we got a lot in common! Tomorrow starts week 4 for me at my new job. We had a three-day weekend and what have I done? (Besides surfing the web?) Let's see... Friday I took a nap from 1-3, Saturday another 2 hr. nap, and today, I slept soundly from 3-5. And when I get up, I am exhausted. (I am thinking about turning in early. It's only 6:30!) And I have this dread about going in to work tomorrow.

On the junk food front, I had been doing very well on a no wheat, no dairy, no sugar diet. (I lost a ton of weight! Well, stress helped a bit. But I lost a ton of weight!) Since coming to work at my new job, I am surrounded by junk food all day. Now, most people might say I am being 'good' by having just one [whatever]--but that 'just one [whatever]' has caused me to gain back 15 pounds in 3 weeks! For me it's probably more than junk food--it's probably stress eating.

Hope you can find yourself in a new routine soon. That and the regular exercise will go a long way to helping you avoid junk food altogether. Sorry that I can't say anything either way about burnout. All I know is that it can linger for a while.

Hi @GypsyMoth , it’s nice to have a lot in common with people on this forum! Congratulations on your new job I hope it’s going well for you. I am an avid web server as well! I hope your first day back after your long weekend break goes okay.


I think it was more slight fatigue than anything else as now I’ve been awake 90mins+ I feel a lot better than I did before just listening to an audiobook recommended from this site. Although it is getting late so it might not be best to mess my sleep schedule up as well

 

[Raggamuffin]

Not sure about you, but masking all day is exhausting. When I get in the car all my stims come out and I tend to have a hyper phase just to let out everything I bottled up. Weekend tends to be lazy, as do my evenings. Even doing basics like laundry, self-care, hygiene etc. can vary wildly. Depends how much energy I have, but usually there's little and my drive to do anything isn't good. I've every intention to cover the basics, and be more productive in the evening - but energy is used up. At most it's gaming, or a show, reading, some instant messaging and dinner. It's never usually anything big.

Seasonal too though. When the evenings are lighter I cycle more, and do my contact staffing in parks. Now winter is approaching I tend to game more, and hunker down inside during the evenings.

Burnout is very real. As is not doing much if you're holding down a job. All that concentration and masking takes a lot out of you.

Ed

 

[M11]

Not sure about you, but masking all day is exhausting. When I get in the car all my stims come out and I tend to have a hyper phase just to let out everything I bottled up. Weekend tends to be lazy, as do my evenings. Even doing basics like laundry, self-care, hygiene etc. can vary wildly. Depends how much energy I have, but usually there's little and my drive to do anything isn't good. I've every intention to cover the basics, and be more productive in the evening - but energy is used up. At most it's gaming, or a show, reading, some instant messaging and dinner. It's never usually anything big.

Seasonal too though. When the evenings are lighter I cycle more, and do my contact staffing in parks. Now winter is approaching I tend to game more, and hunker down inside during the evenings.

Burnout is very real. As is not doing much if you're holding down a job. All that concentration and masking takes a lot out of you.

Ed

I can totally relate to your points say for instance when I work 5/6 days a week my day off I don’t really achieve anything and the house tasks really pile up. But I’ve had 2 consecutive days off yesterday I done absolutely nothing just lounged round all day in between Napping but today now I’m rejuvenated I’ve been able to do the dishes, put a wash on and run a bath now I’m just waiting on my partner to come how to go the gym together. The difference that extra day makes! As if I wasn’t off on holiday and was working today I’m sure it would of just kept piling up until it was absolutely necessarily needed to do.

There’s nothing wrong with hunkering down during winter nights, Make the most of them! I haven’t gamed since moving out which I do miss at times it makes your evenings fly.

 

[Raggamuffin]

Staying focused with ADHD is hard too. It's like you focus with the best will in the world to get something done, but then concentration and energy fades in and out. It's like searching for radio reception - and you get the static and noise, and then you tune in and things seem clear, but then soon enough you're out of phase again and other thoughts and intrusive thinking gets hold of you. Then you're back on task again.

Procrastination is another one too. Delaying things until it has to happen now or else I get in trouble etc. I'm great when I'm told what to do, but managing my own time and having the willpower to actually get things done? I really struggle with that.

Plus - if a task is dull, then it's very difficult for me to start or complete it. Chores are just mind numbing. Sometimes I find cleaning therapeutic, but most of the time I just let my room become a tip, and then I feel claustrophobic and I have to tidy. Therefore, I will tidy. I know logically you'd say to do a little bit each day, then it doesn't all mount up. Logic, logic, logic. Boo, hiss.

Another one, which might seem a little off topic - but, self-care. I find I'm forever people pleasing, and doing this, that and the other for people other than myself. I bestow too much time and attention on them, and not enough on myself. How I view myself often isn't positive, yet how I treat others is going above and beyond. If I was with someone who thought and treated myself as I do? I think it'd be considered an abusive relationship.

Ed

 

[M11]

I like your analogy it can definitely feel like “searching for radio reception” even on little things so I went to get my trainers out the washing machine to put them on the radiator before the gym. As I grabbed them I heard the oven was on (I had put food in 20 minutes ago) which I would of forgotten about completely if I hadn’t gone to get my trainers. The food wasn’t burned luckily!

@Raggamuffin I know it could be personal but if you don’t mind me asking what are you diagnosed with? Literally everything you’ve described so far I can relate to completely.

With not being signed up to a gp for 30 months the one I registered to last week said it would be in touch about my application in 24 hours and it’s been 7 days. Anyway I’m now seriously looking into paying for a private screening first with Assessors from the NAS uk site. I think I’m 100% convinced on my ADHD diagnosis (but it’s more controlled chaos than others who experience it that I’ve read up about) so I don’t know wether that’s because I could also have ASD1 or it’s just that some of my social communication especially with unfamiliar people and other traits that could be matched to ASD1 just comes down to traits encountered from ADHD

 

[Raggamuffin]

Diagnosed with ADHD last year. Or was it the year before? My memory isn't great. I paid for a private assessment as waiting for one on the NHS in UK can take a long time.

I'm also on the waiting list for an Autism assessment with the NHS. Could be years. They lost my referral, a year after it was done. So they're attempting to fast track it - but we'll see. Might just impulse buy that eventually. Not good with impulsivity, money. Plus substance abuse over the years. Internet and gaming addiction, unhealthy relationships with friends, family and relationships. One relationship ended recently because my trauma/anxiety replays the same nonsense for 18 years since my first relationship. Bit of a hot mess at times. Co-dependent in relationships too which is exhausting.

Reading about ADHD and Autism online felt like reading my autobiography. I've been on this forum a few years, shared and overshared a lot. Was a member of an anxiety forum back in 2012 for a few years. That was the year when my 20+ years of anxiety and depression started to affect me with physical aches, pains and symptoms.

I scored 100% on my ADHD assessment, which was rather amusing. Tried stimulants, but I couldn't get over the side effects. I'm sensitive to medication side effects, and never managed to get past a few weeks or months on any medication.

I believe ADHD & ASD are common co-morbidities. Same goes for those conditions + anxiety & depression. It's quite heavy going at times. Another one my last therapist believes is in the mix with me is CPTSD brought about by emotionally unavailable and turbulent parents and upbringing. This has led to unhealthy attachment style and coping mechanisms in adulthood. Plus, PTSD has a lot of overlap with Autism symptoms and behaviours.

I guess there's a lot of overlap with many conditions. The fact ASD and ADHD are lifelong is a little disheartening.

I'm currently contact therapists to begin EMDR which is shown to significantly help with CPTSD.

Ed

 

[M11]

Thank you for all your detailed responses. It’s pushed me to stop over researching and actually put the wheels in motion maybe 6 months later than I anticipated but I’ve just contact 3 private clinics requesting a call back as I’m at the point now where I feel like I know confidently and it’s worth the money to pay but I’ve always got that bit of self doubt with anything I do in life that has been stopping me from submitting an application.

 

[Raggamuffin]

I'm still researching several years later. It's become a "special interest" of sorts I guess.

Ed

 

[M11]

Special interest indeed! If I’m not working or not out with my partner I’m at home researching. I think my partner gets slightly frustrated by my new found obsession but there’s just so much to learn about Neurodiversity and so many interesting stories/perspectives.

 

[Raggamuffin]

Lots of books and audiobooks out there too. I've gradually been collecting them. Also this, I've shared it a lot on this forum, but this man is a specialist with ADHD and his introductory video highlights many key aspects of the condition, and he's very calming to listen to

Ed

 

[M11]

Thanks I’ll give it a listen now! I’ve listened to a few off his podcasts from the ADDitude website, I also stumbled across a YouTube video last week of him regarding ADHD and Asperger’s combined (I know that’s not correct terminology now but that’s the title on the video if you happen to come across it)

 

[Raggamuffin]

I'll be interested to see what you thought of it.

Ed

 

[M11]

Really good listen! What made me chuckle is on my last response before watching it I was going to include (I don’t read many books as I seem to forget what I’ve just read rather quickly like I don’t absorb the information) low and behold that’s one of the points.

Only other person I’ve brought it up to apart from my partner sort of put me on the spot and asked “how does it affect you” in that moment a million thoughts was swirling round in my head and it was a complete mess the best description I could come up with on the spot was “my brain just never switches of it causes me so many frustrations” then my mind went blank so I think it’s best to have everything written down.

I also just had a call back from the clinic I can still do an assessment without being registered to a GP. Once my partner comes home I think it will be time to book an assessment.

 

[UberScout]

For me it goes something like this:

Mom: Did you remember to take the trash out?

Me: "UberScout.exe has stopped working -- CrystalOS is searching for a solution to the problem... (loading bar)"