FinchNov 20, 2022

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.

Show threadliberry

@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

Nov 20, 2022 at 5:18pmWeb
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.