Four Core Motivators for ADHD, Autistic & AuDHD wiring
A framework for understanding what actually drives engagement and motivation
The ADHD Motivation Engine
If you understand what motivates you, you can understand the tasks that will be easy for you, and which will require willpower. You can outsource, remove completely or change the tasks that don't fit this profile.
Interest / Curiosity
Genuine fascination creates effortless attention for ADHDers.
The brain doesn't need to force focus—it's pulled towards what captivates us.
Urgency / Consequences
Deadlines and real stakes generate enough arousal to cut through inertia.
Pressure creates the signal strength needed for action.
Novelty / Change
Fresh environments and new problems provide dopamine.
Reframing old tasks can suddenly unlock momentum.
Emotional Meaning
Connection to values, identity, care, or helping others carries weight.
Emotion drives action way more powerfully than "shoulds".
What Doesn't Work for ADHD
Traditional motivators fail because they're designed for neurotypical dopamine systems:
- "Importance" without urgency
- Delayed rewards ("you'll benefit later")
- Discipline, grind and willpower alone
- "Just try harder" approaches
At least one of the four core motivators should be present, in order to take action on tasks
Autistic Motivation Framework
Maybe your brain has a little autism in the mix too?
Around 30% of ADHDers are somewhere on the autistic spectrum. I am. So let's have a look at Autism, and then AuDHD, which is my neurotype.
Meaning / Coherence
Clear logic and internal consistency matter profoundly.
Understanding the "why" enables engagement. Arbitrary tasks collapse motivation entirely
Values / Integrity
Alignment with personal values drives action.
Doing what's right, accurate, fair, or well-designed often outweighs external approval
Mastery / Competence
Progress towards skill, precision, or depth provides satisfaction.
Getting something right matters—even without external recognition
Predictability / Safety
Stable environments with clear expectations reduce cognitive load.
Chaos, ambiguity, or social risk rapidly drain motivational energy
The AuDHD Paradox
What happens when two engines drive the same system?
If like me you're ADHD and Autistic, you have both sides, and they fight against each other. But if you understand their desires, you can work between the two.
Meaningful Interest
Must make sense and be engaging.
Fascinating but pointless causes autistic resistance; meaningful but dull causes ADHD drag.
Emotional Relevance without Chaos
Care and values motivate.
But shame and social pressure shut everything down completely.
Novelty within Structure
Fresh angles inside known containers.
Pure novelty destabilises; pure routine deadens the spirit.
Safety to Act + Urgency to Start
Low-threat urgency is the key.
Clear scope, defined outcomes, time-bound—without identity risk.
Key Differences in Motivation
Understanding the Differences
ADHD: Pulled by stimulation—novelty, urgency, emotion
Autism: Pulled by sense-making—coherence, logic, integrity
AuDHD: Requires interest + coherence + safety + gentle push simultaneously
When motivation stalls, it signals missing elements—not personal failure.