How does autism affect planning for long-term projects?

PostedDecember 30, 2025

UpdatedDecember 30, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Lucia Alvarez, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Planning long-term projects can be more challenging for autistic people because autism often affects executive functioning, the mental processes we use to plan, organise, remember information, and manage time. According to the NHS executive function overview, autistic people may have uneven strengths across these skills, which can make multi-step projects harder to structure and maintain.

Why long-term planning can feel harder

NICE personalised plan guidance highlights that autistic people often need tailored planning approaches, especially when tasks involve several stages or changing requirements. This aligns with strong evidence showing that differences in working memory, time perception, and cognitive flexibility can affect how someone manages longer projects.

Executive functioning differences

NHS services describe difficulties with planning, sequencing, and organising information. Meta-analyses indicate that working memory differences can make it harder to hold multiple pieces of information in mind over long periods, which affects day-to-day project progress.

Common challenges include:

Knowing where to start

Breaking projects into smaller, manageable steps

Prioritising tasks

Tracking progress over weeks or months

Maintaining momentum

Adjusting plans when circumstances change

Time management and deadlines

Many autistic people find time estimation difficult. The charity BeyondAutism notes that “time blindness”, where time feels inconsistent or harder to gauge, is common and can affect pacing and deadlines. This can cause delays even when motivation is high.

Cognitive flexibility and adapting plans

Research on cognitive flexibility (PubMed, 2025) shows that autistic people may need more time to switch tasks or adjust long-term plans. Sudden or unexpected changes can break momentum, particularly when a project relies on routine and predictability.

Practical supports that help

NHS organisations and autism charities highlight several supports that can make long-term projects more manageable:

Breaking tasks into specific, concrete stages

Using visual planners or digital project tools

Writing clear instructions for each step

Creating consistent routines

Setting reminders for deadlines and check-ins

Allowing extra time for transitions or changes

A reassuring takeaway

Autism can influence long-term project planning because executive functioning works differently, not because of a lack of ability. With structure, predictable routines, and personalised supports, many autistic people manage complex, meaningful long-term projects very successfully.

Lucia Alvarez, MSc

Author

Lucia Alvarez is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience providing evidence-based therapy and psychological assessment to children, adolescents, and adults. Skilled in CBT, DBT, and other therapeutic interventions, she has worked in hospital, community, and residential care settings. Her expertise includes grief counseling, anxiety management, and resilience-building, with a strong focus on creating safe, supportive environments to improve mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.