We have this thing called autistic inertia, which sounds similar, and since people already mentioned ADHD, maybe start here and see if anything rings a bell and go from there:
Unfortunately that's pretty common. Personally I think that the accumulation of trauma (which is unavoidable being neurodiverse in a neurotypical world) makes the brain even more defensive, making it ever harder to break through the walls it creates in "self defence".
I wish I had something more encouraging or helpful to say, but I have the same struggles.
I only recently learned the term, and I too felt it in my bones..
So validating each time I discover another bit of my autism has a name and is known by others and isn't just me being "useless".
First time hearing about PDA. So being viscerally protective of one's own autonomy, no matter how small or reasonable a demand is, is a problem? Damn dude
Take it a step further - even defending your own autonomy from yourself. Even things you want to do or even thoroughly enjoy become impossible once a demand is introduced. Add that to executive dysfunction, and daily life (and dealing with a neurotypical world that has no idea about these issues) becomes a real challenge.
The more I'm involved in a hobby, more I'm inclined to take on certain responsibilities, which turns the hobby into a chore, making it repulsive and hard to repeatedly engage in.
Well fuck. I share a lot of those autistic traits and only a few of the ADHD ones. Would focusing on a medical diagnosis for ADHD still help if thats the case
ADHD and CPTSD here (how we love our initialisms!), the latter of which shares a lot of behavioral overlap with autism. From my experience and that of friends and family, yes. A proper evaluation from a knowledgeable practitioner should get you moving on both fronts. I highly recommend finding a psychiatrist versed in both.
There is a lot of overlap and comorbidity between autism and ADHD, having one definitely doesn't rule out having the other, and if you think diagnosis and or medication will help, I say go for it, just mention your suspicions about potentially having both to the doctor.