I can’t reach the headspace to actually read the thing I have to read for school

[JoshRaed]

Like I just want to not do anything when I do it and the only way i’ve been able to manage has been audiobook and I don’t have that for this book. I can’t even make the words connect into concepts when I do, and I have all this other stuff to do in-between and I have two assignment due soon that tests my understanding of this book I’ve barely read 25 pages of and understand zero pages of. How do you turn on the part of your brain that turns words into ideas isn’t that supposed to always be on?

[justincarbunkle]

What is the books name?

It's never always on for me. You do have to force yourself through it sometimes. Try writing a summary of every page you read and look up any discussions/reviews regarding the book to help facilitate your understanding.

[NickRowler]

Go to the library and don't bring your phone or any other electronics. With the lack of distraction, you might be able to focus on the book.

I tend to read more when I am bored. I think I just want something to focus on to entertain myself, even if it ends up being very dry and dull.

[kyupol]

Yeah I know what you mean... when they made us read Shakespeare and philosophy I hated those books. Just forced my way through them and got barrons book notes. Summarized versions helped a lot.

[SagaHolmgaard]

That is such a frustrating position to be in. I agree with NickRowler that going somewhere like the library to study might help. Sitting at home with all of your youtube videos, tiktoks, video games, comic books, art projects, chores within reach can be very distracting, so putting yourself in a more work-friendly environment might help.

Seeting a timer is another strategy. If you're really struggling to read your book, set a timer for just ten minutes, and try to focus as much as possible during those ten minutes. Then you can take a quick break and check your phone or whatever you want to do. Don't beat youself up if you still get distracted, just keep trying even when progress is slow.

If you're food motivated, promise yourself a little treat as a reward for finishing today's reading goal. Be that opening that bag of chips you have or getting something from a café.

You can also see if any of your classmates want to study with you. In a zoom/discord call or at the library. It might be that they're also struggling and you can help each other focus or discuss the text if it's hard to understand it.

[megumibex]

When I was struggling with assigned reading as a student, I found it much easier to absorb and understand the information by reading out loud. If you're getting bored, try entertaining yourself by trying out silly accents as you read.

It's tough, I hope some of the advice on this thread is helpful.

[ThunderChicken]

You should probably seek professional help. I'm not saying this as an insult. You are showing classic symptoms of ADHD. I know this because I suffer the same symptoms.

[lizardlullabye]

If audiobooks have been working, you can try the "read-aloud" functions if you have the book as a pdf or text file. Some PDF readers and web browser have this function for accessibility, whish I use sometimes when read stuff but I don't want to look at a monitor. It reads like a robot, but it could work temporarily to get some reading done.

Otherwise, I agree with the others. Go the library where there's less distractions, Read whatever it is in exciting voice to keep yourself interested as you read, and seek assistance for how to work with your struggles from people who are trained to help.

[thepenmonster]

You should probably seek professional help

I looked into this recently just to confirm or discard the possibility of adult autism.

$2000 just for a "hello." Oof!

[ThunderChicken]

Gotta love that “free” health care we have, right?

I don’t have autism (or at least I don’t think I do) but was diagnosed with ADHD. Unfortunately that diagnosis came about 20 years after high school…

[EncryptedWriting]

I did my undergraduate theory (capstone) an the issues surrounding accessibility and affordability for children & adults with adhd, autism, etc. and let me tell you it is a s-itshow. I might be able to look through it and find some resources to help locate a more affordable diagnostic center if you'd like. Would only work if you're in the USA.

(Not trying to be creepy I swear, just noticed how it related to my undergraduate and know I have some resources for this sort of thing).

[thepenmonster]

Would only work if you're in the USA.

Sadly I live in Wannabe America - Canada.

Thanks though. Sounds like a wild program.