Tip of the Week: Understanding and Supporting Task Initiation Challenges

Task initiation is often a significant challenge for girls and young women with ADHD and autism. Whether it’s starting homework, tidying their room, or engaging in an activity, the mental hurdle of “just getting started” can feel overwhelming. Here are three strategies to help support your daughter with task initiation:

1. Break It Down: Big tasks can feel impossible to begin, so help her break them into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, instead of “clean your room,” start with something like “pick up the clothes on the floor.” Once the first step is complete, momentum often builds.

2. Use Timers and Cues: Timers or visual cues can act as gentle reminders to get started. The “5-Minute Rule” can be especially helpful: encourage her to commit to just 5 minutes of the task. Often, getting over the initial barrier is all it takes to keep going.

3. Provide External Motivation: For some, external motivators like rewards, encouragement, or working alongside someone else can help kickstart the process. This could look like a short break after completing a step or praise for effort, not just results.

Remember: Task initiation challenges are not laziness—they’re a common struggle for many neurodivergent individuals. Patience, understanding, and small steps go a long way in helping her build confidence and develop strategies to tackle tasks.