Complex PTSD in Autistic Adults: Autism, Trauma, and Society

[@cornish0128]

Dr. Luke Beardon's golden equation answers this - "autism + environment = outcome". The non autistic environment severely impacts on us. If we had an autistic society, we would feel safe because it have been developed by us and suited to our needs. We would have been brought up autistic, in autistic households. Making an authentic autistic life for ourselves. This will never happen in a NOT society.

[@Touay.]

I am autistic and have CPTSD. (emotional and physical neglect and some abuse in childhood) ... That said, my inability to socially interact as an adult is often a trauma that builds over time ... grains of sand ... and some rocks. tried some time ago to get help through the NHS ... after 15 minutes (no joke) the psychiatrist told me i just needed to get out more. now 'on the pathway' and seeing a 'good enough' therapist.

[@razredge07]

I've reviewed over my history, and even now around family, I have often set aside my own comfort for others. I could never describe what I was feeling (alexithymia) and I could never explain why I was bothered (no social norms were breached), and so I'd just "deal with it." So, I'm not only hypervigilant toward unfamiliar stimuli but also for social expectations and accommodating others. My upbringing taught me that I don't actually matter, only how I appear and what I can do for others. A lifetime of this is traumatic all on its own, nevermind other things that can occur to cause additional trauma.

[@VanguardNeurodiversityTraining]

Thank you for sharing your experiences and the sense that you are making of them. Thank you.

[@twopointwow]

❤

[@natural3362]

If the autism symptom is caused by childhood trauma, once the trauma is healed, are the autism symptoms go away completely

[@Touay.]

There are symptoms that are associated with autism, but are not 'core to it'. these are issues that can develop because of the autism and how the individual then experiences the world. If the negative experiences can be stopped and the injuries healed, those associated symptoms may go away, but the underlying autism will remain. For example, rejection sensitive dysphoria is associated with autism, (and ADHD and CPTSD) but it is not a core part of autism, it grows out of the repeated negative reactions the individual has with the people around them, particularly their primary care-givers. through therapy, this can be eased, but the person is still autistic.

[@natural3362]

@@Touay. i was brainwashed to think that I'm autistic but i think I'm not autistic, i have CPTSD

[@Touay.]

@@natural3362 Sorry to hear that. Are you able to see, at least for a few sessions, a therapist who is good with both psychological trauma and autism. maybe get their offer their opinion and offer suggestions on a good route forward?