Bill,

That's a similar problem to the harp. That's why the technique is used of placing a number of fingers on the strings in the pattern you are going to play. Hard to describe - like playing the piano I suppose, or touch typing, where you keep at least one finger in position after a run of notes while you are placing your other fingers for the next run of notes. That way, even if you aren't looking at the strings you still know where you are.

There may be a similar technique for the Autoharp.

Helen