Pacing/PAY-sing/
Balancing activity and rest to avoid overwhelm, burnout, or crashes.
Andy says:
Go at the speed that lets you finish the day—tomorrow included.
Detailed Explanation
Pacing breaks tasks into manageable parts, spaces them with recovery, and prevents boom‑and‑bust cycles. It’s proactive, not avoidance.
Community Context
Used across ND and chronic illness communities. Works best when combined with accommodations and energy budgeting.
Quick Tips
- Alternate high/low demand tasks; protect breaks
- Stop when you still feel okay—don’t wait for the crash
- Use timers and calendars to mark rest as non‑negotiable
Do / Don't
- Do: plan ahead; respect signals; increase gradually
- Don't: push through; don’t stack high‑demand blocks
Scientific Context
Pacing and graded engagement reduce symptom flare and improve participation.
Language Notes
Related: energy budgeting, spoon theory.
Related Terms
Energy Budgeting
Planning activities around available energy using a structured, proactive plan.
Spoon Theory (Energy Accounting)
A metaphor for limited daily energy (“spoons”) used to plan, pace, and communicate capacity.
Autistic Burnout
A state of intense physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion experienced by autistic people.
Accommodations
Changes to the environment, tools, timing, or expectations that remove barriers so a person can participate on an equal basis.
Sources
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