Autistic Inertia (problems with switching task) tips?

Hello again!

I have recently learned about autistic inertia thanks to Pete Wharmby's book Un-typicaI and have realised this is something I really struggle with but hadn't really given it any thought, until now.

Very briefly Autistic inertia, for anyone who doesn't know, is a difficulty switching tasks (even if you want to). Here's some light further reading - https://autismawarenesscentre.com/what-is-autistic-inertia/

The example Pete gave in his book so perfectly encapsulated my experience, reading a book but wanting a cup of tea. In this example, I can see myself getting up, making the tea, and then sitting and enjoying the tea while I continue to read. I am happy to get up and make the tea but I just...don't. I want to but something blocks me from switching my focus from reading to getting up and making tea.

Of course, this is just one example that doesn't have any major ramifications but it does impact other areas of my life. I wondered whether anyone had any tips or tricks for getting through this? If you also experience this, how do you switch tasks effectively?

Parents Reply
  • Exactly the same, which is why I gave the tea example as making tea is very easy and painless for me - I actually like the sound of pouring the water into my mug. It isn't that I don't want to make the tea just for some reason I can't. I'm also while reading simultaneously thinking about making the tea so it's not like I'm so absorbed in the book that I don't want to do it or don't think of it. It's a very odd situation. My partner couldn't imagine it when I tried to explain it to him. He was understanding but had no frame of reference. 

    I have a similar thing with things that need doing too. Sometimes I have so many things to do piled up in my head that I don't have space for more things and I really struggle to action any of them 

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