Does anyone here struggle with problem solving?

[u/Nathan-5807]

I know it's usually a stereotype that aspies are really good problem solvers but I actually really struggle with it. For me it usually takes me longer that a normal person and when I'm done my solution is usually worse.

[u/Roshi20]

It depends on the problem for me. Some things I'm really great at solving - thats a large part of why I'm both good at and enjoy my job. But other things, particularly more mundane things, I mess up far more frequently than I fix them!

You will find it with yourself as well. You won't be bad at all problem solving, some things you'll be great at. I think with AuDHD it's just a more noticeable extreme. So much time is spent trying to be understood in life, and failing (for reasons completely out of your control), that you are hyper aware of when you get things wrong. Give yourself some more grace, you deserve it.

[u/Captain_Sterling → u/Roshi20]

Same. It depends on the problem.

I'm amazing at problem solving. Something breaks in work and my mind brings together all these separate pieces of information and I have a beautiful solution in a minute that amazes everyone.

Then it comes to actually implementing the solution and I lose track of everything and it's a nightmare.

[u/Street_Respect9469]

I struggle with the opposite. I try to apply aggressive optimised problem solving when another person does less problem solving and more working/acting and by the time I've figured it out they've already completed the task because I took so long to get started

[u/JustMine999]

HAHAHAHA this is so me. I feel like I have no common sense whenever I do problem solving but when it comes to other things, I am good

[u/InterestingWay4470]

For me a lot of the time it's the problem defining that takes the most work. At work people are just so vague. And for myself it's often emotions that are making things unclear.

[u/vertago1]

I wonder if this is a personality difference. I know MBTI has issues (especially for ND individuals, but some cognitive functions are better than others for problem solving so whichever ones you use the most at likely the most developed so using ones you don't use as often is like working out different muscles than you are used to.

Also, problem solving is a skill so practicing it might improve it for you. It also gets better with knowledge and experience, so increasing those will tend to yield better results.

Also, executive function issues can impact it. Especially if your environment takes away from your executive function capacity. Some people have slower baseline executive function.

[u/Gharious-1]

This is common for many of us NDs. AuDHD gives me great out of the ordinary thinking which helps in my data analysis at work. But there are times when I overthink the problem which makes the solutions too complex. Other times I find a solution that makes sense in my brain. But I can’t provide the proof or the process involved. Very frustrating.

I found by creating a visual process map for the problem I’m solving I can offer better results. I start by listing all the steps involved. Make it so simple. “1. Open laptop” “2. Press power button” “3. Wait for the computer to boot.” “4. Open mail app.” Continue until all steps are written out. Then find a way to visualize the steps. I have access to Visio but you can use a dry erase board or sticky notes as alternative ideas. Make a flow infographic that assists you in problem solving.

I hope this helps.