Cognitive Inflexibility: Welcome To The Dumpster Fire
The Autistic Mile · Sep 16, 2026 · 1:00:42
The Autistic Mile · Sep 16, 2026 · 1:00:42
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Ever have one unfinished task, unexpected change, or problem that your brain simply refuses to let go of? Welcome to the dumpster fire.
In this episode of The Autistic Mile, Jim and Shane dive into cognitive inflexibility—what happens when the autistic brain gets stuck on a task, thought, plan, or problem and changing direction feels almost impossible.
We explore executive function, the Zeigarnik Effect, working memory, inhibitory control, rumination, and why sometimes the smartest move is to stop digging deeper into the rabbit hole and fall back, regroup, and try again another day.
Along the way, we tackle some very real—and sometimes very funny—examples of what happens when the brain decides:
🔥 “Nope. We are NOT moving on from this.”
It’s autism, executive dysfunction, unfinished business, brutal honesty, everyday life, and a little chaos—all rolled into one conversation.
And stay tuned until the end for our original song, “County Line.” 🎵
Every Mile Matters. Together, We Go Further.
#TheAutisticMile #Autism #ActuallyAutistic #AutisticAdults #CognitiveInflexibility #ExecutiveFunction #ExecutiveDysfunction #ZeigarnikEffect #Neurodiversity #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #Podcast #CountyLine
