Practical Ways to Break Down Tasks

We are all familiar with the feelings that can be induced by a lengthy to-do list: panic, stress and anxiety. When we are faced with a series of tasks to complete, we can easily begin to feel overwhelmed. And it is no different for the individuals we support in our organisations.

While we may have learnt and developed strategies to manage these feelings and organise our time efficiently, the individuals in our care may need more help and support to do this.

So how do we know when a child, young person, or adult is feeling overwhelmed by the demands made of them and what can we do to help break down tasks?

Demand avoidance around tasks

While demands are an integral, unavoidable part of everyday life, for some children, young people and adults, demands of any kind can instigate overwhelming feelings of anxiety, distress and panic.

Download our guide to demand avoidance.

Demand avoidance describes a situation where an individual finds it difficult, or in some cases impossible, to meet the demands made of them, and, as a result, may engage in a range of anxious behaviours.

Less intense behaviours can include:

• • Distraction, by changing the subject, or diverting attention

• • Giving reasons why they cannot fulfil the demand

• • Procrastination and delay

• • Unequivocal refusal

• • Withdrawing from a conversation

• • Retreating into a ‘fantasy world’, or engaging in role-play

More intense behaviours can include:

• • Attempting to take control of the situation

• • Physical or verbal aggression

• • Running away

• • Completely shutting down

• • Self-harm

The behaviours we see are a product of the same feelings we experience with our own to-do lists of tasks. It’s our responsibility, then, to break tasks down for individuals and, over time, equip them with the skills to do this independently wherever possible.

Read our article about creating low demand environments.