Cognoa’s Post

For #autistic adults, having safe and supportive spaces to be authentic and meet like-minded people is crucial. From group therapy to peer-led support groups, there are a range of ways people with #autism can find belonging with others. Psychology Today #autismsupport #autisticadult #autismawareness #autismacceptance

What outcomes do families want when they seek support for an autistic child? This study investigated how stakeholders view the priority and appropriateness of goals when support is provided to autistic children. The highest priority outcome was improving the child's mental wellbeing, while the lowest was to reduce sensory seeking or avoidant behaviours. Over half of the participants also rated reducing sensory seeking or avoidant behaviours and reducing focused interests as inappropriate outcomes for supports. Tap the link below to read the study and find out how these results reflect the growing acceptance of neurodiversity-affirming practices. The results highlight that autistic communities are shifting the focus of support to outcomes that are meaningful to them, rather than neurotypical behavioural standards. https://buff.ly/3Q8BVak #autism #neurodiversityaffirming #neurodiversity

How much change is required before autistic children receive the mental healthcare they need and deserve? Beyond monetary awards, such as those described below, what can be done to resource and support services, like CAMHS, so they can optimally function in the future, and become suitable for, and attractive to, various neurotypes? #autism #autistic #neurodivergent #neuroaffirmative #neurodiversity https://lnkd.in/e2Ys7tac

"Baron-Cohen has drawn attention to the reality that a lot of autistic people do not receive their diagnosis in early childhood. In fact, many are not diagnosed until late childhood, or even adulthood. This means they are left unsupported and feeling different, but with no explanation. As a result, autistic people can end up feeling like they do not fit in, and may experience exclusion or bullying by their peer group. They can feel ashamed when they’re not coping in a mainstream classroom. He argues that the reason they are struggling is because the mainstream educational setting was designed for non-autistic people. This can lead to a gradual deterioration in their mental health. Many underachieve academically and only 15% of autistic adults are employed. Most worryingly, one in four autistic adults have planned or attempted suicide. He said “Autistic people are being failed by our society." --- #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs 💪🏻 #WithNotOn ✋🏻 #AutRes 📚 #AutisticCulture 🌈 #Masking #Unmasking #Unearthing #UnearthingAutisticCulture #Autistic #Autism #Autist #AuDHD #AdultAutism #AdultAutistic #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent #Neurodivergence #PsychNP #PMHNP #APRN #MentalHealth #MentalHealthcare #LateDiagnosed #adultDx #TraumaInformedAdvocacy

Sensory Trauma: AUTISM, SENSORY DIFFERENCE AND THE DAILY EXPERIENCE OF FEAR: Both interoception and exteroception can be distorted, flooding the mind-body system with abnormal autonomic activity and external stimuli that are disproportionate to their origin. Over-activity of the amygdala and physiological changes in the prefrontal cortex follow. The fusion of all these neurological inputs causes Dysphoria that can mimic (but is not) psychosis. Although, this can be handled for a period of time by some autists, many can become overwhelmed and require a quiet break. Even then, autists can experience tinnitus, buzzing, fuzzy visual experiences, pruritis, muscle spasms, and many other “switched on” stimuli. Unsafe psychological environments, especially bullying, will cause even worse sensations, hypervigilance, and paranoia. It is a positive feedback cycle that can potentially lead to meltdowns and even temporary breaks in reality. It is the stressful and unpredictable environment that is the problem, not the autist. These events should not be confused with psychosis. The autist is well aware of their perceptions— but the brain can be overwhelmed and can have a meltdown— usually lasting for a short time, but upto 72 hours after a severe shock. These can take the form of complete dissociation or an expressive outward verbal and or physical response. Once started, like an epileptic seizure or a migraine, they cannot be stopped. It is then best to retire to a safe place with a comfort aid such as a weighted blanket or other device that enables security to be felt by the mind-body system. Breathing exercises can help through autonomic feedback and influence of heart rate variability. Read on for the details of being overwhelmed by these sensations: #autismawareness #autism #trauma

Invalidating an Autistic Person's Sensory Response Can Lead to Complex Trauma – A Guest Post by Emma Reardon of Autism Wellbeing, UK “When an Autistic person experiences Sensory Trauma, their response to these painful or distressing episodes is not due to an inability to cope or an over-reaction – their response is proportional to their experience.” (Click on the link below to read the full article.) https://buff.ly/3ciJ9Y0 #Autism #Autistic #ActuallyAutistic #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversity #PTSD #SensoryTrauma #AutisticChild #AutismMom #AutismDad #AutismParent

How much change is required before autistic children receive the mental healthcare they need and deserve? Beyond monetary awards, such as those described below, what can be done to resource and support services, like CAMHS, so they can optimally function in the future, and become suitable for, and attractive to, various neurotypes? #autism #autistic #neurodivergent #neuroaffirmative #neurodiversity https://lnkd.in/e2Ys7tac

Organizations should strive to be inclusive of all #neurodivergent conditions rather than focusing exclusively on autism for several reasons. 1. Consider the diversity of #Neurodiversity itself. Neurodiversity encompasses a wide range of neurodevelopmental and neurological conditions beyond just autism. These conditions include #ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), #dyslexia, #Tourette's syndrome, #bipolar disorder, and many others. Each of these conditions comes with its own set of strengths, challenges, and unique perspectives. By focusing exclusively on #autism, organizations miss out on the valuable contributions and perspectives of individuals with other neurodivergent conditions. 2. An #inclusive #workplace should be built on principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination. Focusing solely on autism may inadvertently discriminate against individuals with other neurodivergent conditions who also have much to offer in terms of skills, talents, and creativity. 3. Embracing all neurodivergent conditions sends a powerful message of inclusivity and diversity. It shows that the organization values the uniqueness of each individual and is committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive. If your company is interested in neurodiversity, talk to our team. We can help you design and implement your initiative in the most efficient way possible. #neurodiversity #neuroinclusion #inclusion #dei #deib #inclusivehiring #adhd #autism #dyslexia Joel Godi Anima Nair Geetha Solaraj ( She /Her)  

Pathological demand avoidance: Another unwanted PDA display 🙅🏻♀️ More than simply 'acting out', PDA is often described as a subtype of autism. https://lnkd.in/g7tCMiFf #generalpractice #primarycare #familymedicine #psychology

#Emotionalregulation can be tricky for #autistic children than their non-autistic peers as they navigate additional social and behavioural challenges. Read more about why it's so difficult for people with #autism and what strategies can help. Psychology Today #autismsupport #autismawareness #autismunderstanding