01/19/2026
This is true for my son as well. People judge saying I manage him too much and I push too much, but if he doesn't keep busy his mind gets lost and then his coordination starts leaving him. He needs to have a visual schedule to know what's next or he will not be motivated to finish a task. For him, he wonders "what's the point?" Specially, because he can fixate on tiny things I can't see, and I still haven't found the benefit of that. So I agree. A busy, tired, kid is a good kid.
A tool ALMOST NO ONE talks about for managing autism + ADHD is… making yourself tired.
And no, I DON’T mean burnt out,
but rather,
mentally and physically ✨fulfilled.✨
This need for…“fulfillment” is something my parents came to understand very early.
“A tired Kaelynn is a good Kaelynn,” and they still stand by that.
My mother utilized a busy schedule to help me channel my cognitive and physical energy.
We found that if I didn’t get my energy out during the day, it would come back to haunt me at night,
(sleep disturbances, anxiety spirals, and increased hyperactivity.)
Being able to settle without rigorous day time activity is something that’s improved in adulthood…
HOWEVER, the need for additional engagement tends to quickly resurface when I travel.
When I’m away from home, I have to deliberately tire myself out so I can function professionally.
Exploring new cities is fun, but it’s also mandatory for me.
Walking several miles, or just wandering somewhere interesting helps calm my demons.
And when they send me somewhere that’s not walkable…I pack workout clothes for the hotel gym. I hate the gym.
But, staying busy is one of the most reliable ways I can manage my AuDHD.
So when people wonder why I schedule my days the way I do…
A tired Kaelynn is still a good Kaelynn
💖