What Does Autism Really Feel Like
By: Vanessa Blanchard
So what is it like to be autistic?
Autism presents in many ways but being misunderstood is one of the more common experiences we share.
Our neurological variations make us perceive the world differently than most, which means our behaviours and communications can be confusing.
We tend to think differently than those around us. We see more patterns, we noticed different types of details, and we tend to miss lots of other details, like social cues.
We tend to be trusting and honest, which makes us vulnerable to grifters.
Most importantly, we often don’t recognize or relate to social norms. This leads to a tremendous amount of discrimination by neurotypical folks, who default to dismissing us rather than working to understand us.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a neurological condition that means that our brains process sensory information differently. We tend to experience the world in a very heightened way. Our bodies take in so much sensory information that it’s often uncomfortable and overwhelming.
It’s like there’s no filter and no way to tone down the amount of information we take in and that can take a huge toll on our emotions, focus, and general functioning.
SPD is common in autism, but it can exist on its own or alongside other conditions like ADHD or PTSD. People often don’t acknowledge SPD as a valid issue faced by autistic kids and blame their emotional distress on bad behavior or bad parenting. It’s neither. Meltdowns are involuntary neurological events driven by sensory information overwhelming the amygdala.
What is synesthesia?
Synesthesia is a form of SPD where the senses get sort of jumbled together. Images or sounds might have tastes, tastes might have textures, or colors may have sounds. It ranges from difficult to impossible to detangle these senses, which can be distressing and overwhelming at times. It can also be pretty neat.
What To Do
Work with your autistic child to identify their sensory needs and learn how to meet them. Regulating their environments, providing sensory safe zones, and looking into options like mindfulness and medication can help.
What Not to Do
Don’t punish your child for expressing distress over their sensory overwhelm. Our distress can be extreme and meltdowns are very painful experiences for us.
Don’t judge yourself or your parenting, either.
About the writer
I’m a writer, artist, and advocate who loves living in Maine among the trees and oceanside villages. I’m also autistic, ADHD, and PTSD. My education, both academic and personal, has centered around mental health and neurodevelopmental disabilities, as well as discrimination and the socioeconomic consequences of living disabled in America. I work to plant seeds and spread ideas through my writing. You can find me on Twitter @ladysnessa.