Seeing as the topics of the film draw from my own experiences as an autistic person trying to talk to other people; the relationship between autism, anxiety, and procrastination is a subject that greatly affects the subject matter of my film, Tall Glass of Nothing.
Understanding Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior. Many individuals with autism also experience heightened anxiety, which can manifest in various forms such as social anxiety, generalized anxiety, or specific phobias. The coexistence of autism and anxiety often creates a complex interplay that influences different aspects of an individual's life.
The Link to Procrastination
Anxiety and procrastination are closely intertwined, with one often exacerbating the other. Anxiety can lead to procrastination when individuals feel overwhelmed, fear failure, or doubt their ability to complete tasks effectively. Conversely, procrastination can intensify anxiety as deadlines approach, adding to the pressure and stress levels. This anxiety-procrastination cycle is particularly challenging for individuals on the autism spectrum, who may already struggle with executive functions such as planning, organizing, and initiating tasks.
How I Portrayed Autism, Anxiety and Procrastination in My Film
I made the decision that every conversation that happens in the film happens in the main protagonist's mind. The conversations that he had with his inner voices are personified in the form of his friend and the girl he wants to start talking to in the film. The reason behind this creative decision was to emphasise how difficult it is for many people with social anxiety (especially neurodivergent people) to initiate and carry on a conversation. It is implied in my film that the main character spent so much time thinking about how to approach starting a conversation that he missed his window of opportunity because he was lost in thought.
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