Tag: what is autism

Understanding Alexithymia: The Challenge of Emotional Blindness

Introduction

In my autism diagnosis journey, and after several sessions meeting other autistic people through the National Autistic Society for Scotland in their Embrace Autism group sessions, I have come to realise that I can’t, and have never been able, to pinpoint what I’m feeling (emotionally) at any given time. This is a condition linked to autism that is named Alexithymia.

What is Alexithymia?

Alexithymia, often described as “emotional blindness,” is a condition characterised by difficulty in identifying, expressing, and describing emotions. It’s not just about being less emotional; it’s about having a hard time understanding what you’re feeling at any given moment. People with alexithymia might find themselves confused when asked how they feel, or they may struggle to recognise the emotions of others.

The Roots of Alexithymia

Although not fully understood, the causes of alexithymia could be influenced by genetics, brain structure, and early life experiences. Some studies suggest it could be related to damage in the insula, a part of the brain involved in empathy and emotional awareness. It’s also associated with various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders.

Living with Alexithymia

For those with alexithymia, everyday interactions can be challenging. They might appear distant or uninterested because they don’t express emotions in a typical way. This can lead to misunderstandings in personal relationships and difficulties in social situations.

While there’s no specific treatment for alexithymia, therapy can help improve emotional awareness and expression. Techniques like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices can assist individuals in better understanding their own emotions and the emotions of others.

Conclusion

Alexithymia is a complex condition that affects how people perceive and express emotions. By recognising its presence and understanding its implications, we can create more supportive environments for those who experience the world differently.

Presuming Competence in Autistic People

How to Presume Competence Without Dismissing Disability Support Needs.

What is autism and how does it affect people?

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people communicate and interact with the world. It is not an illness or disease, but a different way of thinking and processing information. Autism is also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism spectrum condition (ASC), because it covers a wide range of abilities and challenges.

According to the National Autistic Society, more than one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. However, this number may be higher as many autistic people may not have been diagnosed or identified yet.

Autism is a spectrum condition, which means that every autistic person is unique and has their own strengths and difficulties. Some autistic people may need a lot of support in their daily lives, while others may be able to live independently. Some autistic people may have learning disabilities, mental health issues or other conditions, while others may not.

There are some common characteristics that autistic people may share, such as:

  • Social communication and interaction challenges: Autistic people may find it hard to understand and use verbal and non-verbal language, such as gestures, facial expressions and tone of voice. They may also struggle to make eye contact, initiate and maintain conversations, or take turns in speaking. They may prefer to communicate in different ways, such as using pictures, symbols or sign language.
  • Repetitive and restrictive behaviour: Autistic people may have a strong need for routine and predictability, and may get upset by changes or unexpected events. They may also engage in repetitive actions or movements, such as rocking, spinning or flapping their hands. They may have highly focused interests or hobbies that they are passionate about and want to share with others.
  • Sensory differences: Autistic people may experience sensory input differently from other people. They may be over- or under-sensitive to sounds, lights, smells, tastes or touch. This can affect how they cope with everyday situations, such as crowded places, bright lights or loud noises. They may seek out or avoid certain sensory stimuli to regulate their emotions or cope with stress.

Autism is not something that can be cured or changed. It is a part of who a person is and how they see the world. However, with the right support and understanding, autistic people can live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

If you think you or someone you know could be autistic, you can find out more about getting a diagnosis and where to get support from the National Autistic Society website.