Finch

I'd like to start a discussion about the autistic anxiety which plagues so many of us. Do people have any insights to share?

Personally, I find focusing on nature helps - a bit - but I can't be doing with CBT or mindfulness (I'd just start ruminating in the silence, and I can't bear listening to my breathing or feeling my heartbeat).

There's some recent research on the role of the amygdala in autistic anxiety with studies showing it's enlarged/overactive in autistics, but little useful in terms of therapy yet.

And there's even more recent research suggesting that an overactive sympathetic nervous system combined with poor interoception may be a cause. A therapy called ADIE has been through a successful clinical trial, and I'm currently trying to find out more details from the researchers as to whether there's as yet any practical advice or therapy that one can access. Will keep people posted on anything I find out if they're interested.

Nov 20, 2022 at 4:26pmWeb
Show threadliberryNov 20, 2022

@Finch my theory is that the anxiety/depression/stress of autism is actually due to cPTSD from being autistic in a neurotypical world.

also, traditional meditation and CBT do not really account for a very active mind imho, so the best way to reduce stress is going to be very individual - you will have to experiment. something that minimizes the sensations that you have trouble with, and requires moving around (spending nervous energy is very helpful)

hope this helps

Show threadFinchNov 20, 2022
@liberry Yes, I'm sure you're right that having to survive in a NT environment plays a huge part. I know that some researchers such as Luke Beardon (whose books are brilliant btw) think that this is the *sole* cause of autistic anxiety, but I think there are also physiological and biochemical factors at play.
Show threadChris Nov 21, 2022
@Finch CBT and mindfulness… I tried SO hard to make it work. But it wasn’t until I embraced being autistic that I finally had the tools at hand to deal with anxiety and overstimulation
Show threadAutistic Science PersonNov 21, 2022
@Finch I'd be interested to know what you think of the therapy tools talked about in #Stutz because I don't think I've ever heard anything like them before. Basically focusing on radical acceptance and how to live with certain things in life and accept that there will always be pain and uncertainty in general.
Show threadAutistic Science PersonNov 21, 2022
@Finch The tools felt very trauma-informed to me and a lot less about changing yourself or repressing certain things about yourself. I think validation also goes a long way because so many of our struggles are downplayed or completely invisible to others.
Show threadDj Ir0ngruveNov 21, 2022

@Finch I personally find that decent doses of CBD with a tiny bit of THC help me out quite a bit.

YMMV.
I also try to get in the habit of doing something creative every day even if it’s just something silly.

Show threadJenNov 21, 2022
@Finch being near the beach, living semi rurally, the ions, the sea, the lack of noise pollution, lack of people helps me immensely
Show threadJenNov 21, 2022
@Finch I understand that's privilege to be able to do this, but my experience is I'm happiest in this environment. When I lived in town I started making a habit of getting into the bush / forest with my dog for walks when I could manage it, and that shinrin-yoku forest bathing also worked to alleviate anxiety levels. The dog encouraged me to do it often. Without the dog it would have been hard. So pets + nature.
Show threadFinchNov 21, 2022

@jen Yes - I find that calmness when I take the cat out in the garden - I slow down and properly see things in a way I'd simply never do if I was alone. And I've experienced the same sense of peace when walking a neighbour's dog.

PS She's on a harness, but I follow her, not the other way round! Quite different to a dog.

Show threadFinchNov 21, 2022
@jen Lack of noise pollution would be heavenly. I'd love not to have to hear busy roads and aeroplanes overhead every day.
Show threadPeachyInWalesNov 21, 2022
@Finch I have learned that the key for me is getting my hands into the earth. Briefly will do but it seems that gardening connection with nature is crucial for me. It’s so wet and rainy where I am that it becomes an issue from about now until spring.