Having an autism diagnosis falls within the neurodiverse category. Being neurodiverse automatically creates additional barriers to living life that the typical person doesn’t share. Those living with autism often experience higher stress levels than the general population. Events triggering stress can be much wider in scope for someone with autism than for someone who is neurotypical. Because of this, it can be difficult for some people to understand or be sympathetic when an autistic person is struggling. Knowing how the autistic mind processes trauma can help bridge the gap of understanding.
Trauma On The Spectrum
Autistic individuals view the world differently. What is considered a stressful and/or traumatic event is different. A variety of situations can result in trauma for someone with autism. Included in this are:
Name-calling
Bullying
Rejection
Being taken advantage of
Inability to process information
How someone speaks to you
Subtle changes to a routine
Updates to a product or service that makes it unfamiliar
Daily situations could become traumatic to these individuals. Research has shown that those with autism are at higher risk for traumatic events.
They are also more predisposed to have adverse and traumatic childhood experiences. Situations like poor family dynamics, strained parent relationships, additional mental illnesses, and financial hardships can create these longer-lasting impacts into adulthood.
Masking
It’s hard to survive in this world being atypical or neurodiverse. There is a higher occurrence of bullying, mistreatment, and aggression. The idea of masking is something autistic people do to hide their traits or characteristics to better “fit” into a typical world. Masking provides an altered sense of safety and reduces misunderstandings that can lead to new or ongoing, continued trauma. For someone with a history of trauma, it is a frequently used coping mechanism that feels necessary. At times, it can be useful to make friends, form relationships, and get a job successfully. In the end, though, it still hides a portion of yourself. Having to live like that can take a toll.
Longer Lasting Effects
Masking yourself just means you’re altering who you are to fit in. Being rejected for who you are or experiencing trauma because of your autism can lead to feeling like you need to do this to survive. It becomes an act of self-preservation. It causes self-doubt and reduces self-worth. It’s an exhausting process and can lead to anxiety, depression, and meltdowns. Having to do this constantly in social situations can elicit social anxiety and become traumatic in itself.
Trying to figure out why you don’t fit in or why you are mistreated becomes a fixation. With autism, it is hard not to loop repeatedly to try to find an answer, one that may not even exist. Perseverating to try to understand the situation can make it extremely hard to function, including the basic day-to-day rote tasks. Processing is also more difficult due to a reduced understanding of social cues and norms. Not being able to rationalize this piece can exhaust energy and motivation for meaningful things in the future.
Importance Of Seeking Treatment
Anyone who has experienced trauma could benefit from professional therapy services. Anyone with autism who has experienced trauma could likely benefit even more. It can assist in understanding social constructs and why a trauma occurred. When masking becomes a common method used to navigate life, therapy can also help teach different coping mechanisms that are healthier and new life skills to utilize in future experiences. Under professional guidance, you can gain the support needed to work through negative experiences.
If any of this sounds like you or someone you love, use our contact information to set up an appointment to discuss options further.
Learn more about PTSD therapy in Colorado. Serving Boulder, Longmont, Denver.
