9:37pm August 31, 2014

➸ Inertia: From Theory to Praxis

An explanation of autistic inertia.

More importantly, it has tips to help one get past inertia. This could apply to those who are autistic or who have other forms of executive dysfunction.

There’s a rather wordy section on examples of autistic inertia, but this other part has some questions which may help guide you to doing things:

If you’re inertial, and you’re trying to figure out some ways of structuring things to make inertia less of a problem, here’s an outline of a possible way to proceed.

Think about the tasks/activities you do easily, and those you find difficult or impossible (it might help to write a list out). Are there patterns? For example:
Are you better at doing things in one setting (home, work, school, a friend’s house, etc.) than in another? If so, what is different about that setting?

Are you better at tasks which need to happen at a particular time than at tasks which need to happen just whenever?

Are you more likely to do things when you’ve already said out loud or in writing that you’d like to do them (or that you plan to do them, or something)?

What effect does pressure have on your likelihood of completing a task?

What effect do various sorts of reminders from friends and others have on your likelihood of completing a task?

Are you more likely to do tasks you’ve already practiced several times?

Are there certain things you get stuck doing (playing a particular computer game, etc.) which make it harder for you to move on to what you want to do?

Do you have an easier time with certain tasks when you’re alone, or when you’re with people?

Are there particular people you have an easier time doing stuff around? Are there particular people it is difficult or impossible to do stuff around?

Is it easier when the people are busy doing stuff of their own, or when they’re in certain frames of mind?

Is it easier to get stuff done when your day has gone certain ways (say, when you’ve exercised, or when you’ve eaten breakfast, or have gotten enough sleep, or aren’t stressed, or already accomplished something that day, or scheduled enough break time, or…)?

Does it help if your environment is clutter-free?

Does it help if there is a cue for what you’re trying to do (like the textbook, if you’re trying to study, or the stamps and envelope if you’re trying to send mail)?

Brainstorm some ideas for making some of the tasks/activities you care most about easier for you to do, possibly with help from a friend. Try them out for a week or so and see if they help. Then, brainstorm again.