“I Thought I Was Just Disorganised” - Understanding Executive Dysfunction in Neurodivergent Women

Have you ever stared at your to-do list and felt totally paralysed? Not overwhelmed by the size of the tasks - but by the starting of them?

If so, you might be experiencing executive dysfunction - a neurological challenge that many autistic and ADHD women deal with, often without knowing it has a name.

What Is Executive Function?

Executive function is your brain’s control centre. It helps you:

•Start tasks

•Switch between them

•Stay focused

•Prioritise

•Plan ahead

•Remember what you’re meant to be doing

When these functions aren’t working well (especially during perimenopause), we call it executive dysfunction.

It’s Not a Character Flaw - It’s a Neurological Trait

Executive dysfunction is part of many neurodevelopmental conditions including:

• DHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): often includes difficulties with attention regulation, impulsivity, and task initiation.

•Autism Spectrum Condition: may involve rigidity, overwhelm when switching tasks, and difficulties planning multi-step activities.

You’re not lazy. You’re not chaotic. Your brain just needs a different kind of support.

What It Feels Like in Real Life

•Knowing you should start something and feeling physically unable to

•Doing everything except the one important task

•Constantly running late, even when you try really hard not to

•Avoiding multi-step tasks because your brain can’t hold the whole picture

And when menopause hits? These challenges often intensify, as hormonal shifts affect focus and memory even more.

What Helps

•Break tasks into micro-steps

•Use visual planners and checklists

•Create a 'starting ritual' to cue your brain into action

•Use alarms and timers, not just willpower

•Forgive yourself for the 'stuck' days

You don’t need fixing. You need tools that work with your wiring. We explore this deeply in our coaching programme—but the first step is always awareness.

Join our next workshop:

https://inclusivechange.co.uk/brain-fog-to-clarity-workshop