"In a State of Flow": A Qualitative Examination of Autistic Adults' Phenomenological Experiences of Task Immersion

Background: There is considerable conceptual overlap between Autistic hyperfocus and flow, yet these phenomena have seldom been associated in the literature. Moreover, no studies have provided an in-depth empirical investigation of Autistic people's flow-like or hyperfocus experiences. In this study, we sought to address this gap by investigating Autistic people's phenomenological experiences of task immersion, and how their experiences relate to existing conceptualizations of flow, hyperfocus, and monotropism.Methods: To address this aim, we drew on data from a broader qualitative study, designed in partnership with Autistic community members, to understand Autistic people's experiences of Autistic inertia. For that broader study, Autistic and non-Autistic researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 Autistic adults about their everyday experiences of starting and stopping tasks. During these interviews, participants repeatedly discussed their experiences of task immersion and the benefits and challenges associated with it. We analyzed these responses specifically, using reflexive thematic analysis, adopting a combination of deductive and inductive approaches within an essentialist framework.Results: Our participants' accounts closely matched conceptual understandings of flow, Autistic hyperfocus, and monotropism. Specifically, the analysis revealed the all-encompassing nature of task immersion experiences, and how it could be difficult to "find the balance" between the joy and other aspects of everyday life. Despite the drawbacks, participants were glad to be immersed because they felt they could be themselves, with no pretences.Conclusions: These results are important for reframing task immersion as a state of great potential value to Autistic people's lives, but one that may require additional support if it is to play its role in enabling Autistic people to flourish. Community brief Why is this an important issue? Flow is a state of mind where a person becomes completely absorbed in what they are doing and does not notice anything around them. Autistic people's experiences of flow has not been studied enough, possibly because Autistic "voices" have not been taken seriously by autism researchers in the past. This means we know little about Autistic people's experiences of flow-like states. What was the purpose of this study? We wanted to know about Autistic people's experiences of flow and what effect these experiences had on their everyday lives. What did the researchers do? One Autistic and one non-autistic researcher spoke to 24 Autistic adults about their experiences of becoming fully engaged and focused on tasks. During the interview, we asked participants to tell us about moments when they felt so immersed in a task, or a thought, that they could not (or did not want to) stop. We also asked how not being able (or not wanting to) stop a task or a thought impacts their lives. What were the results of the study? Our Autistic participants' descriptions of their flow-like experiences seemed to be closely related to other concepts that are often talked about in the Autistic community, such as hyperfocus and monotropism. They spoke of how their flow-like experiences were all-encompassing and could bring much pleasure. But they also told us how flow could bring a great deal of struggle, as it could lead to exhaustion or neglect of other tasks (including personal care). Despite the challenges, participants enjoyed being in flow as it allowed them to be themselves. What do these findings add to what was already known? This study showed that Autistic flow (or "hyperfocus") can be "the most amazing feeling in the world." It also showed that being in flow can cause challenges. We need to work with Autistic community members to develop strategies to help Autistic people manage the negative effects on everyday life and physical health and well-being. What are potential weaknesses in the study? Most of our Autistic participants were women who were White, well-educated, and employed. Most also used traditional forms of communication. We do not know if our participants' flow-like experiences are similar to Autistic people who do not use traditional forms of communication, have an intellectual disability and come from different cultures. It will also be important to work with Autistic people and their allies to find new ways to investigate flow experiences in a diverse range of Autistic people. How will these findings help autistic adults now or in the future? These findings show how important it is to focus on things that can bring Autistic people joy. We need to know more about how increasing optimal flow experiences-at home, in schools, at work-could help Autistic people to thrive.