11/13/2025
So many neurodivergent children (and adults!) aren’t avoiding tasks because they’re “lazy” - they’re avoiding because their nervous system is overwhelmed before they ever begin.
The real challenge isn’t the task itself… it’s the activation energy required to start.
The 5-Minute Rule works because it gently lowers that activation threshold. When the brain senses a small, safe starting point, it shifts out of freeze/avoidance and into just enough regulation to try.
For ADHD and autistic nervous systems, this tiny window matters.
✅It reduces the feeling of threat.
✅It increases dopamine just enough to create momentum.
✅It builds a positive association with beginning instead of dread.
✅And it teaches: “Starting isn’t dangerous. I can do this in tiny pieces.”
Five minutes isn’t about productivity - it’s about rewiring the brain to experience safety and success around tasks that feel big.
If your child struggles with task initiation, perfectionism, or overwhelm, this can be a beautiful doorway into self-kindness and capability.💞
neurodivergentparenting
