Founder @ Leantime (Techstars '23) | Work Management for Neurodivergent Minds with #ADHD #Dyslexia #Autism |
I used to explain this type of processing as dominos in my brain. At any given time, I felt like I was experiencing “paths” of potential outcomes all lining up. Each new decision would create a new line of dominos in another direction. This made sudden changes in plans and decisions hard because the dominos would have to quickly restack themselves and I would have to process the new results. Exhausting brain work. Its a big reason that I found being a nurse so influential to my processing — I learned how to create mental flexibility through systems. These systems then better linked the dominos and the outcomes that came with them. i.e. patient comes in with complaint of chest pain. The dominos that needed to be stacked would be: labs, large bore IV, fluids, 12 lead EKG, etc. Changes now required adding or swapping out a single domino while the outcome was still the same. But there’s a key here: I have to understand the outcome. This processing is very gestalt and I find it’s one of the reasons both “why” and having goals are so important for neurodivergent minds. Without these, the full picture fails to be built. This creates a huge cognitive load… as the mind keeps trying to see down a new line of dominos that doesn’t ever show up. #adhd #neurodivergent #systemsthinking #processing
Author, Neurodiversity Specialist, Life Coach, Liberal Arts Professor, and founder of Square Peg Coaching and Consulting
I think it’s time to take a new look at bottom-up processing. This concept can be tricky for people, so I’ll try and sort it out! #actuallyautistic #autism
Love this analogy! Understanding the outcome really does make all the difference in creating mental flexibility. Well said!
This is such an insightful way to explain how our brains process decision-making, especially when there are so many variables in play. The idea of stacking and restacking dominos to represent paths and outcomes really resonates. I can imagine how overwhelming it can be when a sudden change knocks everything out of alignment, making it harder to adapt. Gloria Folaron
Your analogy of dominos and mental flexibility is a powerful way to describe the need for structure in processing change. It’s fascinating how creating systems helped you maintain focus on the outcome while managing shifting variables.
Fractional Product Tech Leader | 🧭 Independent Consultant | 🧠 Neuroinclusive Leadership | 🍄 Typographer | 🌀 Specialized Generalist | Ex-Booking.com
2moOh wow. This makes so much sense; beautifully explained. Best definition I've heard—even the time travel of traveling are words I've used to phrase experience. Your dominoes too! Thank you for sharing.