Attwood & Garnett Events | Tony Attwood & Michelle Garnett

Anxiety in Autistic Individuals Presenting as Anger Anxiety is a common experience for many autistic individuals, and it often manifests in ways that can be misunderstood. One such way is through expressions of anger. (Can also be a sign of depression). - What may seem like anger on the surface often has deeper, underlying causes rooted in the need to manage overwhelming anxiety. - Anger may also be a way to communicate distress or unmet needs, especially when other forms of communication are less accessible or effective. How anxiety in autistic individuals can present as anger. Seeking Solitude When overwhelmed, autistic individuals may feel an urgent need to be alone. This desire for solitude is a crucial strategy for self-regulation, allowing them to reduce sensory overload and manage anxious feelings. If prevented from accessing solitude, the individual may become visibly distressed, which can be perceived as anger. Seeking Control Anxiety can lead to a heightened need for predictability and control. When autistic individuals experience a situation that feels unpredictable or out of control, their response may manifest as anger. This is often a means of expressing discomfort or attempting to regain a sense of security. Emotional Pain Due to Lack of Acceptance Feeling misunderstood or unaccepted can be deeply painful for autistic individuals. When they sense that they are not being valued or respected, this emotional hurt can manifest as anger. This type of response often reflects their frustration and distress over not having their needs recognised or met. Blocked Access to Anxiety-Reducing Strategies Autistic individuals frequently develop personal strategies to alleviate anxiety. These may include engaging in particular routines, stimming, or other self-soothing behaviours. When they are prevented from accessing these strategies, either due to external barriers or a lack of understanding from others, it can lead to feelings of helplessness and frustration, which may be expressed as anger. Uncertainty in Managing the Situation Anxiety often leads to uncertainty about what actions to take in challenging or unexpected situations. Autistic individuals may struggle with not knowing the 'right' thing to do, which can amplify their anxiety. This uncertainty, combined with an increased need for consistency, can result in behaviours that appear to others as anger. It is a reflection of the stress of being unable to effectively navigate an unpredictable situation. Learn more about supporting autistic teens: On Friday, January 17th, 2025, Tony and I will present Day 2 of our Masterclass on Autistic Teenagers. https://lnkd.in/gz-_ZNV4 #actuallyautistic #autism #autistic #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #psychologist #psychology #alliedhealthprofessionals #teachers

Join Us in London This January for an In-Depth Course on Autism and ADHD Professor Tony Attwood and Dr Michelle Garnett AuDHDer invite you to a one-day course in London in January 2025, exploring the intersection of autism and ADHD. This course will provide the latest research insights, highlighting both the strengths and challenges of autistic individuals with ADHD, as well as practical strategies for managing executive functioning difficulties at school, work, and home. The course includes a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter to ensure accessibility for all participants. We look forward to seeing you there! https://lnkd.in/gpU3inpM #actuallyautistic #autism #autistic #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #deafcommunity #BSL #psychologist #psychology #alliedhealthprofessionals #teachers #psychiatry

Parental acceptance of an autism diagnosis is crucial for the well-being of both the child and the family. This study identified six key factors influencing acceptance: autism characteristics, cultural beliefs, knowledge levels, emotions, and support. Support from family, community, and clinicians plays a vital role in easing the adjustment process and promoting positive outcomes. Understanding and addressing these factors can help families better navigate the journey of accepting and supporting their autistic child. #actuallyautistic #autism #autistic #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #psychologist #psychology #alliedhealthprofessionals #teachers #psychiatry #InclusiveHealthcare #InclusiveSociety #ResearchTuesday #autismfamily

Having a child with Autism has taught me that Love is not about changing someone to fit into a mould, but about embracing the unique qualities and finding joy in their individuality. - Parent of an autistic child Want to learn more about autism and families? Friday 15th November 2024 - 9:30 am - 4:00 pm Brisbane Time This course aims to help participants understand how autism may impact family dynamics and develop strategies for addressing these. The goal is to ultimately create a neurodiversity-affirming family environment within which all members can thrive. It is a full-day event, fully recorded, and available for 60 days. https://lnkd.in/eQhDKy-R #actuallyautistic #autism #autistic #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #psychologist #psychology #alliedhealthprofessionals #teachers #psychiatry #InclusiveHealthcare #InclusiveSociety #QuoteMonday

This article focuses on the high prevalence of bullying and its traumatic effects on autistic individuals, examining various forms of bullying and their long-term psychological impacts. It highlights the increased vulnerability of autistic children to bullying, the reluctance to disclose these experiences, and the profound mental health consequences, such as depression, anxiety, and self-harm. Additionally, the article explores the concept of "invalidation trauma" and discusses treatments like trauma-focused CBT and EMDR tailored for autistic individuals who have experienced trauma. #actuallyautistic #autism #autistic #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #psychologist #psychology #alliedhealthprofessionals #teachers #psychiatry #BlogWednesday 

This Friday, join us for a comprehensive live webcast on 'Trauma and Autistic Children and Teens'—learn about the unique ways trauma affects autistic children and teens, including how to identify trauma, understand its mental health impacts, and learn evidence-based support strategies. Full recorded (60 days access) Learning Objectives: - Understand why the effects of trauma can be missed in autistic children and teenagers.  - Knowledge about the types of trauma that can cause PTSD for autistic children and teenagers.  - Increase knowledge about recent research on the association of trauma and autism.  - Knowledge about Polyvagal theory and its relevance for understanding the association between anxiety, trauma and autism.  - Know the similarities and differences between autism and the psychological effects of trauma.  - Understand issues that can arise for the autistic child at school, in their family and within friendships due to trauma.  - Learn strategies that can help in parenting an autistic child who has experienced trauma/s.  - Know when to seek professional help and the types of assistance available to help resolve and heal from trauma/s. https://lnkd.in/gXQvrWUJ #actuallyautistic #autism #autistic #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #psychologist #psychology #alliedhealthprofessionals #teachers #psychiatry #InclusiveHealthcare #InclusiveSociety #autismtrauma

This article by Ng-Cordell et al. (2024) highlights the increased vulnerability of autistic children to trauma and the unique ways in which they may experience and express it. Traditional diagnostic tools often fail to recognise trauma responses in autistic individuals, complicating accurate diagnosis and treatment. The authors call for trauma-informed care and adapted interventions, such as modified Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to better support the mental health of autistic children. #actuallyautistic #autism #autistic #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #psychologist #psychology #alliedhealthprofessionals #teachers #psychiatry #InclusiveHealthcare #InclusiveSociety #ResearchTuesday 

This Friday, join us for a comprehensive live webcast on 'Trauma and Autistic Adults'—learn about the unique ways trauma affects autistic adults, including how to identify trauma, understand its mental health impacts, and learn evidence-based support strategies. Full recorded (60 days access) Learning Objectives: - Understand why the effects of trauma can be missed in autistic adults.  - Knowledge about the types of trauma that can cause PTSD for an autistic person.  - Increase knowledge about recent research on the association of trauma and autism.  - Knowledge about Polyvagal theory and its relevance for understanding the association between anxiety, trauma and autism.  - Know the similarities and differences between autism and the psychological effects of trauma.  - Know how trauma can affect mental health.   - Understand issues that can arise for an autistic adult at work, in their family and within friendships and relationships due to trauma.  - Learn strategies that can help in supporting an autistic adult who has experienced trauma/s.  - Know when to seek professional help and the types of assistance available to help resolve and heal from trauma/s. https://lnkd.in/gGxe2cvX #actuallyautistic #autism #autistic #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #psychologist #psychology #alliedhealthprofessionals #teachers #psychiatry #InclusiveHealthcare #InclusiveSociety #QuoteMonday #autismtrauma

"Before, there was nothing. Now, I could feel. I’m changed. It feels like anything in the world could affect me now. I feel a lot more vulnerable." – H.B., autistic person This is such a powerful quote that can be seen as a reflection of a significant emotional shift experienced by the autistic individual named H.B. after receiving therapy for trauma. Initially, H.B. describes a sense of emotional numbness or detachment, where they were unable to feel emotions, likely as a protective response to trauma. After therapy, he began to reconnect with his emotions, which brought both positive and challenging experiences. This newfound emotional sensitivity made H.B. feel more connected to the world but also more vulnerable, as he was now more deeply affected by his feelings and the feelings of others. It highlights the complexity of emotional recovery, especially for autistic people who may have been disconnected from emotions for long periods. It reflects both the relief and the difficulty of regaining emotional empathy, reflecting how trauma therapy can transform one's emotional understanding. Next Steps in Understanding Autism and Trauma: This Friday, To further explore the association between autism and trauma, we have developed two new events: Trauma and Autistic Children and Teens and Trauma and Autistic Adults. Through these events, participants will gain insight into: Children and Teens https://lnkd.in/gXQvrWUJ Adults: https://lnkd.in/gGxe2cvX Reference to quote: Hume, R., & Burgess, H. (2021). “I’m Human After All”: Autism, Trauma, and Affective Empathy. Autism in Adulthood : Challenges and Management, 3(3), 221–229. https://lnkd.in/gXYSCZnP #actuallyautistic #autism #autistic #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #psychologist #psychology #alliedhealthprofessionals #teachers #psychiatry #InclusiveHealthcare #InclusiveSociety #QuoteMonday #autismtrauma

He is very vigilant after being physically assaulted by school staff and peers…No matter who it is. His trust level is like zero. - Ng-Cordell et al. (2022) Frontiers in Psychiatry 13, page 9. There are many causes of trauma for an Autistic child, and one is being restrained when distressed by school or medical staff. The adults may be trying to protect individuals and property and physically subdue someone who is extremely agitated. However, attempting physical restraint can lead to increased agitation, physical harm and trauma. The trauma can subsequently be expressed as a lack of trust in caregivers. Next Steps in Understanding Autism and Trauma To further explore the association between autism and trauma, we have developed two new events: Trauma and Autistic Children and Teens and Trauma and Autistic Adults. Through these events, participants will gain insight into: Children and Teens: https://lnkd.in/gXQvrWUJ Adults: https://lnkd.in/gGxe2cvX #actuallyautistic #autism #autistic #autismawareness #autismacceptance #autismspectrum #psychologist #psychology #alliedhealthprofessionals #teachers #psychiatry #InclusiveHealthcare #InclusiveSociety #QuoteMonday