Autistic Inertia

In physics, the term “inertia” is the tendency for an object in motion to stay in motion unless stopped or changed by a force, and an object at rest tends to stay at rest unless changed by a force.

So what is Autistic inertia?

🌟In this context, it is not an object that has inertia, but a person’s attention, thinking, or movement.

🌟Those who are affected by Autistic inertia tend to stay on one task (or no task at all) unless stopped by a major outside force or a very strong act of will. It applies both to getting started on a task as well as stopping once engaged in something (i.e. A special interest, as Inertia overlaps with the concept of ‘monotropism’ or the autistic tendency to focus narrowly and deeply on topics or objects of interest).

🌟Autistic inertia may be related to other conditions that are part of autism or often accompany it, such as anxiety, executive dysfunction or catatonia. It can also be increasingly experienced due to stress, overload, shutdowns or burnout.

🌟Someone with inertia may get “stuck” halfway through an action or task, or they may get stuck in repetitive movements or thoughts. Inertia can be hyperfocus, or for example, fixation on the fine details in the texture of an object.

🌟Some describe inertia as an inability to act due to fear of unknown, uncertainty or undesirable outcomes (i.e. Avoidance of anticipated negative emotions).

Inertia can include difficulties with:

▪️starting a task

▪️delayed action

▪️changing activity and/or focus

▪️adjusting movements to changing surroundings

▪️meeting needs and self care

▪️starting and stopping movements

▪️Remembering to do something later

▪️Struggling to do something despite knowing how and wanting to

▪️Following instructions

▪️Communication

▪️Altered awareness (feelings of disconnection from body)

🌟Inertia can make it difficult to impossible to get anything done, even basic needs like drinking or going to the toilet could be left unmet. It can feel debilitating not being able to act on intentions despite a deep desire to and can feel completely paralyzing. It can even be the primary barrier to independent living.

🌟It can negatively impact things like wellbeing, productivity, self-care and maintaining relationships.

🌟To an external, neurotypical observer, it might seem like the autistic person isn't struggling, and that they're just being 'lazy' (not true). People might see them sitting frozen, incapable of taking action, and assume it's because they don't care or lack willpower, and even reprimand them for this, often causing an even greater feeling of anxiety.

🌟Often when these difficulties are not understood by others, Autistic experience is being reprimanded for going too slowly, misunderstanding, or for not having the ability to independently get started. Many of us get trapped in a feedback loop of learned helplessness, confusion, shame and frozenness as a result.

🌟This is why it's important to be understanding. Just because a struggle may not be explicitly visible, it doesn't mean it isn't there. Seeing the difficulties as disability related, rather than a character flaw, allows for a greater understanding and a gentler and more supportive approach.

More reading on Autistic Inertia here

(Note - inertia can affect a wide range of people, for example it is also commonly associated with ADHD)

🌈 Do you, or someone you know, experience inertia?

🌈 What helps you to get going on a task?

🌈 How are you feeling today?

🌟 This week we have an Autism Support Session, Wednesday 8th Feb, 8pm EST (Support Session pop-up room) 🌟

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