Autism, ADHD, and Why Productivity Falls Apart Without Purpose – Ep 119 with Travis Alexander

“I’m very good at starting things, then halfway through I ask: why am I doing this?”

In this episode, Travis Alexander shares an honest conversation about career confusion, productivity struggles, and the long road to self-understanding after late diagnoses of autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Together, we explore why work can feel harder without clear purpose, how masking shows up in careers and productivity, and what actually helps when motivation keeps collapsing halfway through.

Travis Alexander is a science and engineering master’s graduate who has worked across startups, corporate medical technology, and creative projects. Diagnosed with dyslexia, autism, and ADHD later in life, he is now a neurodivergent advocate and author of Stairway to the Spectrum, where he reflects on identity, work, and self-awareness. Outside of work, Travis enjoys breakdancing, running, and spending time with his wife.

Episode Highlights:

00:02:02 – Diagnosed with dyslexia, but answers didn’t last
Travis shares how his first diagnosis explained some struggles, but didn’t stop problems from resurfacing in work, relationships, and decision-making.

00:03:00 – Autism and ADHD discovered much later
A decade after dyslexia, Travis realizes autism and ADHD were still unrecognized, helping explain long-standing confusion and burnout.

00:09:15 – Self-awareness after late diagnosis
Rather than “fixing” productivity, diagnosis gave Travis clarity, closure, and a way to understand past mistakes without self-blame.

00:14:30 – Fifteen to twenty jobs and still searching
Travis reflects on job-hopping across industries and why finding the right career fit has been so difficult but necessary.

00:21:06 – Productivity collapses without a clear ‘why’
He explains why he often starts strong, loses motivation halfway, and how reconnecting to purpose is what actually sustains productivity.

00:23:19 – Masking at work and following instructions
A candid look at workplace conflict, masking through compliance, and why “just do it this way” can be deeply exhausting for neurodivergent people.

Connect with Travis:
Website: https://www.travisalexander.com.au/

Connect with Jeremy:
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremy
Email: jeremy@focusbear.io

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