The article “Finding Productivity Through Coding: A Neurodiverse Journey” by Doug Hawes shares his personal journey of self-discovery and overcoming challenges as a neurodiverse individual diagnosed with autism at the age of 20. Here’s a summary of his story and insights:
Background and Early Life
- Challenges in School: Doug faced intense bullying and ridicule in school, leading to feelings of isolation. Despite this, he found solace in creative activities like singing and comedy.
- Interest in Technology: He was naturally drawn to understanding how things work, particularly in mechanics, electronics, and computing.
Introduction to Coding
- Inspiration: A humorous story about a time traveler sparked his interest in coding, making him wonder how technology works at a deeper level.
- Learning Process: He started with Codecademy, which evolved from a hobby into a passion. He trained as a MERN stack web developer (MongoDB, Express, React, Node.js).
Productivity and Neurodiversity
- Strengths of Neurodiversity: Doug found that his neurodiverse thinking, characterized by precision and attention to detail, was a strength in coding.
- Challenges and Solutions: He faced challenges with focus and productivity but found that coding provided a structured framework that helped him stay on track.
Strategies for Productivity
- Breaking Tasks into Smaller Chunks: This approach helped him manage complex projects by focusing on one task at a time.
- Establishing a Routine: Creating a flexible routine increased his productivity and helped maintain momentum.
- Leveraging Passion for Problem-Solving: Viewing coding as a puzzle to solve kept him motivated and engaged.
- Tracking Progress: Keeping a journal of his coding journey helped him reflect on progress and stay motivated.
Future Plans and Encouragement
- Continuing Development: Doug plans to expand his skills in React, Node.js, and full-stack development. He is currently working on a social media app.
- Encouragement for Others: He encourages neurodiverse individuals to explore coding, highlighting its welcoming nature for diverse perspectives and creative expression.
It’s a great read you should check out.
