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Alexithymia and Interoception
Alexithymia and interoception are intertwined aspects of emotional processing, yet they represent different dimensions of self-awareness.
Alexithymia characterizes individuals who struggle to recognize and articulate their emotions, often leading to difficulties in interpersonal relationships and emotional expression. On the other hand, interoception pertains to the awareness of internal bodily sensations, providing individuals with valuable information about their emotional states.
The ability to accurately interpret these internal cues is essential for emotional regulation and understanding. In the context of alexithymia, impaired interoceptive awareness can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals, making it harder for them to connect their emotional experiences with physiological responses. Consequently, addressing both alexithymia and interoception is crucial in enhancing emotional intelligence and overall well-being.
And yes, both are issues seen in autism.
The Bystander Effect
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1006050.
This was interesting. we always think that autistics being less susceptible to illusions (McGurk etc), and therefore less capable of multisensory intergration, and this must be a deficit (negative) in the context of social interaction and society. Turns out that it is a positive for society when in comes down to fundamentals of basic humanity and compassion and helpfulness. (Less susceptible to bystander effect too.)
What is the Bystander Effect:
The bystander effect is a social phenomenon in which individuals are less likely to offer help or intervene in an emergency situation when others are present. The presence of other people creates a diffusion of responsibility, leading individuals to assume that someone else will take action, resulting in reduced likelihood of any single person helping. This effect underscores the importance of social influence and diffusion of responsibility in decision-making during emergencies or situations where help is neededContemplation
The purpose of human existence is to seek meaning in the mysteries of life. - Hari Srinivasan
PD Soros Fall Conference
A memorable, emotional and absolutely enjoyable Fall Conference in New York last week with an amazing group of fellow students.
US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy (alum of the very first batch) was the keynote speaker. What a moving and brilliant keynote on the increasing loneliness in the US and the importance of social connection.
Some remarkable team building exercises, interesting outings, topped off with a deep dive interview by a 2022 fellow with the 94 year old (and going strong) Daisy Soros during the closing session.
And happy 25 years to PD Soros Fellowship.
A poem written for Daisy Soros and presented at the closing event.
Background Introduction
This poem, "Aria of Aspirations," is an operatic ode dedicated to Daisy Soros and the late Paul Soros. Intermingled within this lyrical tapestry are cultural foreign language phrases contributed by the 2022 Fellows, epitomizing our global community bound together by shared dreams, aspirations and values. We celebrate individual stories, individual abilities and disabilities, while acknowledging the collective. The verses resonate with the unity, mentorship, and deep bonds fostered over the past year, all set against the backdrop of Verdi — a notable favorite of Daisy’s along with a nod to Daisy's cherished song, "La Vie en Rose" by Edith Piaf.Of course, the poem is more inspired by the essence of the flow of a Verdi opera rather than a strict structural representation of one. For instance, the introduction with the dawn’s first light sets the stage much like an overture or prelude. The subsequent verses describe various scenes, reminiscent of arias and ensemble pieces in an opera. As we traverse from one stanza to the next, we also journey through the cultural and operatic art forms reflecting the diversity and richness of each of the 2022 Fellow’s countries of origin. Only the heritage countries of the 2022 Fellows are referenced. The climax builds around the lines that reference Daisy. The poem ends on an appreciative note, reflective of a finale or closing chorus in an opera. The use of musical metaphors is a depiction of our journey, growth and appreciation, reminiscent of the ebb and flow one might find in an opera.
Above all, this poem stands as a testament to Daisy and Paul's enduring legacy and their unwavering belief in the transformative power of investing in people, us New Americans.
Aria of Aspirations
In the powerful embrace of dawn's first light,
An aria begins, echoing the night.
Like Verdi's voices, in a crescendo bold,
Daisy, with Paul, your legacy retold.
From the depths of memory, notes we chose,
World painted in hues of La vie en rose.
An inspiring community, dreams taking flight,
Believing in the power of the New American right.
Andante tales from Nigeria's Ewi pride,
Bharatanatyam in India, vivace stride.
Syria's dancers, in Sufi whirling, they soar,
Calypso rhythms, Grenada's lively lore.
Germany's Deutsche Oper, largo and deep,
Polish opera's passion, allegro sweep.
Staccato tales of Russkaya, tales so vast,
Makossa beats in Cameroon, from the past.
Nanguan melodies in Taiwan, gentle and fine,
Mariachi strums, Mexico's vivacious line.
Zemer Ivri from Israel, tunes that enthrall,
Pakistan's Qawwali, a resonant call.
El Salvador's Cumbia, rhythm and song,
Congo's Soukous, where dance moves prolong.
Chinese opera's mask, legends of yore.
Vietnam's Ca trù, a haunting encore.
Romania's Doina, a melancholic strain.
England's classic ballads, tales that remain,
Uganda's Ndere, in rhythmic dance they weave,
Canada's vast beauty, where the maple leaves believe.
In unity, beyond borders, we soar,
Embracing abilities and disabilities, our spirit does roar.
For in this fellowship, we truly see,
The strength of inclusion, setting hearts free.
Daisy, our fellowship’s deepam, light,
Paul, in dolce memory, makes the night bright.
Apurbo, wonderful, with 2.5 decades decree,
Your combined legacies, a grand opera’s spree.
Cuando la oportunidad no te llama,
construye una puerta, is your panorama.
For every dream, an aria of our own.
In this vast libretto, aspirations grown.
Qui cherche trouve, in tales that we’ve planned.
Contrapunto contrasts, hand in hand
Yaar, friend, Fellows forge unyielding bonds,
Guided by mentorship, on which our growth dawns.
Al-nas lba'adah, together we stand,
With each note played, by your visionary hand.
In Verdi's coda, strong and profound,
Daisy, your strength and resilience resound
A reflection of past, largo’s embrace,
A celebration of futures, in allegro’s chase.
For in this grand opera, one thing is clear,
Through music and dreams, you've drawn us near.
A family, a friendship, presto and planned,
You invest in people, on this vast vast land.
With each passing year, our ensemble does grow,
In the name of love, letting dreams flow.
Classic and visionary, an aria’s play,
Daisy Soros, to you and Paul, our gratitude we convey.
For in every note, in each melody's strand,
Is the touch of your hearts, the warmth of your hand
Foreign Language Translations
Al-nas lba'adah (arabic): people are there to support each other
Apurbo (bengali): Wonderful /amazing
Cuando la oportunidad no te llama, construye una puerta (spanish): When opportunity doesn't knock, build a door
Deepam (tamil): Light
Qui cherche trouve (french): Who seeks, finds
Yaar (hindi): Friend
Silicon and soul
Where digital consciousness and human intricacy intertwine
A vivid tapestry of logic and wonder is enshrined.
Where silicon and soul intertwine
Discover the vast, uncharted realms of the mind.
A vivid tapestry of logic and wonder is enshrined.
Where silicon and soul intertwine
Discover the vast, uncharted realms of the mind.
Stress and Neck Pain
Insights from Neuroanatomy class.
The Accessory XI nerve, a cranial nerve, is vital for controlling the trapezius muscle, which facilitates various neck and shoulder movements. When stress occurs, this muscle can tense up, leading to neck discomfort. Interestingly, in quadrupeds like cats, the trapezius muscle is crucial for lifting the head; this adaptation aids grazing animals in responding to external stimuli. Additionally, the short-term memory (STM) muscles also contribute to raising the head, illustrating the complexity of our muscular system's evolution and functionality.
The Accessory XI nerve, a cranial nerve, is vital for controlling the trapezius muscle, which facilitates various neck and shoulder movements. When stress occurs, this muscle can tense up, leading to neck discomfort. Interestingly, in quadrupeds like cats, the trapezius muscle is crucial for lifting the head; this adaptation aids grazing animals in responding to external stimuli. Additionally, the short-term memory (STM) muscles also contribute to raising the head, illustrating the complexity of our muscular system's evolution and functionality.
Cal does it again!!
#1 University of California – Berkeley
Located in the Bay Area, the University of California, Berkeley is the best U.S. public college, according to Forbes’ 2023 analysis.The public research university offers more than 300 degree programs, including sustainable environmental design, aerospace engineering and Chicanx Latinx Studies.
Founded in 1868, the university’s establishment stems from a vision in the state’s constitution to “contribute even more than California’s gold to the glory and happiness of advancing generations.”
https://www3.forbes.com/business/forbes-top-25-public-colleges-v3/26/
Ring of Fire
In the cosmos where shadows meet the light,
A ring of fire, both day and night,
Symbolic of our human tale,
Where peace and war together sail.
In annular eclipse, the moon tries to hide,
Yet leaves a ring on the sun's bright side,
A metaphor, profound and vast,
Of struggles in our world so vast.
Amidst the fire, shadows play,
A reminder of both night and day,
In conflicts' ring, let's seek the grace,
To find the light in darkest space.
A ring of fire, both day and night,
Symbolic of our human tale,
Where peace and war together sail.
In annular eclipse, the moon tries to hide,
Yet leaves a ring on the sun's bright side,
A metaphor, profound and vast,
Of struggles in our world so vast.
Amidst the fire, shadows play,
A reminder of both night and day,
In conflicts' ring, let's seek the grace,
To find the light in darkest space.
Oct 14 was an Annular Eclipse where the three celestial bodies the Earth, Moon and Sun line but except the Moon is at apogee which is the furtherest away from the earth, so it does fully cover the sun, leaving a ring of fire effect.
The ring of fire can be seen as a metaphor for the delicate balance between opposing forces - like peace and conflict - in the world. It reminds us that even in moments of darkness of the complexities of human discord (the shadow), there is always a glimmer of hope and light (the ring of fire) - it is the potential for positive change even in challenging times.
Mickey Mouse on our Mind
Mickey Mouse on our Mind.
When we think of the brain, we often imagine a complex network of neurons and synapses, working tirelessly to govern our thoughts, emotions, and actions. But did you know that there's a part of our brain that resembles the iconic Mickey Mouse; science meets imagination. Who knows, perhaps Walt Disney drew inspiration for his Mickey character from from brain imaging.
Ears are the Cerebrellar Peduncles, Eyes are the Red Nuclei, Eyebrows are the Substantia Nigra, mouth is the cerebra aqueduct and around the mouth is the PAG.
The Complex Terrain of Muscle Contraction - Insights from Disability
(Based on topic covered in Neuroanatomy Class along with some additional disability perspectives. )
In the world of biology, muscle contraction is a fundamental process, enabling us to move and function. The way our muscles contract, however, can lead to various consequences, especially when disrupted by factors like bacterial infections.
Muscle contractions are driven by motor units. Whether the contraction is strong or weak depends on how many of these units are activated. So a fine precise motor action requires small number of units activated and need little strength.
Tetanus, caused by bacteria, takes this natural muscle contraction process to an extreme, forcing every single motor fiber in a muscle to contract simultaneously, causing intense pain that is hard to put into words.
Understanding muscle pain takes us to the basics of cellular respiration. Muscles, like all cells, need oxygen, which is supplied through arteries. When a muscle contracts and restricts this oxygen supply, it creates a problem. The muscle cells continue to function, breaking down glucose in the absence of oxygen. However, this process produces lactate, leading to a burning sensation, indicating the body's distress.
This pain can have severe consequences. In intense muscle contractions, essential muscles like the diaphragm, responsible for breathing, can weaken. Chest muscles may become so tense that they hinder the natural process of inhaling and exhaling.
In the complexity of our body's workings, this delicate balance between muscle contraction and relaxation defines our abilities. Understanding these intricacies not only enhances our knowledge of our biological marvel but also emphasizes the need to appreciate and preserve the balance that allows us to move and function seamlessly.
There exists a parallel narrative, one that often goes unnoticed — the experience of autistics. Consider a autistic whose sensory perceptions are heightened and processed differently. The involuntary muscle contractions experienced by autistics might not only induce physical discomfort but also trigger heightened sensory responses, amplifying the distress. In such cases, the pain isn't merely a physiological phenomenon; it extends into the realms of sensory overload, creating an overwhelming and sometimes unbearable experience.
Understanding muscle pain takes us to the basics of cellular respiration. Muscles, like all cells, need oxygen, which is supplied through arteries. When a muscle contracts and restricts this oxygen supply, it creates a problem. The muscle cells continue to function, breaking down glucose in the absence of oxygen. However, this process produces lactate, leading to a burning sensation, indicating the body's distress.
This pain can have severe consequences. In intense muscle contractions, essential muscles like the diaphragm, responsible for breathing, can weaken. Chest muscles may become so tense that they hinder the natural process of inhaling and exhaling.
In the complexity of our body's workings, this delicate balance between muscle contraction and relaxation defines our abilities. Understanding these intricacies not only enhances our knowledge of our biological marvel but also emphasizes the need to appreciate and preserve the balance that allows us to move and function seamlessly.
There exists a parallel narrative, one that often goes unnoticed — the experience of autistics. Consider a autistic whose sensory perceptions are heightened and processed differently. The involuntary muscle contractions experienced by autistics might not only induce physical discomfort but also trigger heightened sensory responses, amplifying the distress. In such cases, the pain isn't merely a physiological phenomenon; it extends into the realms of sensory overload, creating an overwhelming and sometimes unbearable experience.
Understanding muscle contraction through the lens of disability offers profound insights into the human experience. It urges us to delve deeper, to acknowledge the diverse ways in which individuals perceive and process pain. In doing so, we foster empathy and compassion, paving the way for inclusive healthcare practices that cater to the unique needs of every individual, irrespective of their physical or neurological differences.
Dispel notion that any medical intervention is inherently harmful
To drive true progress and improve the quality of life of all autistics we need BOTH Strengths_based_Opportunities AND Challenges_based_Solutions.
It is not Either-Or.
#Autism #Research #Strengths_based_opportunities #Challenges_based_solutions.
Contemplation
Altruism transforms selflessness into a profound connection, weaving the fabric of humanity with threads of compassion and understanding. - Hari Srinivasan
Contemplation, one line a day
Hope is the promise of a better tomorrow, a brighter future, and a more compassionate world.- Hari Srinivasan
Compassion is the bridge that connects us to each other
Towards a more Humane Society. Contemplating an emotion, 1 line a day.
Our divided and conflicted world needs compassion more than ever. #MentalHealth.
Understanding Oddball Tasks and Their Role in Autism Research
PlainSpeak - In Plain Language for the Lay Reader
What Are Oddball Tasks?
Oddball tasks are a type of experiment used by researchers to study how people pay attention and respond to different things. In these tasks, participants are shown a series of items, most of which are similar (standard stimuli), but occasionally, a different item appears (target or oddball stimuli). The participants' job is to notice and respond to these different, or "oddball," items.
- Standard Stimuli: These are the regular items that appear frequently. Participants are usually told not to react to these.
- Target/Oddball Stimuli: These are the special items that appear less often and are different in some noticeable way, such as a different color or shape. Participants are asked to respond to these items when they see them.
Why Do Researchers Use Oddball Tasks?
The main goal of oddball tasks is to see how the brain reacts to unusual or unexpected things. By changing how often the oddball items appear and what they look like, researchers can learn about different aspects of how we think and process information.
Attention: Researchers study how well people can focus on the oddball items and how quickly they notice them, which helps understand attention skills.
Perception: By seeing how people differentiate between the regular and oddball items, researchers learn about how the brain processes different types of information.
Memory and Control: These tasks also help researchers understand how well people can remember what they saw and how they control their responses.
Oddball Tasks in Autism Research
Oddball tasks are particularly useful in autism as autistics often experience the world differently, especially when it comes to sensory processing, attention, and controlling their actions.
Sensory Processing: Autistics may respond differently to sensory experiences, such as sounds or lights. Oddball tasks help researchers see if they are more sensitive to certain stimuli or if they notice different things more quickly than others.
Attention: Studies using oddball tasks have found that autistics might pay attention to details differently. For example, they may focus more on specific parts of an object rather than the whole picture.
Cognitive Control: These tasks can also reveal challenges that people with autism may face in stopping themselves from reacting to certain stimuli or in shifting their focus from one thing to another.
Key Findings from Research
Enhanced Sensitivity: Some research shows that autistics might notice oddball stimuli faster or more accurately, suggesting they might have heightened sensitivity to certain details (1).
Different Brain Responses: Studies measuring brain activity have found that people with autism may show different patterns of brain responses to oddball tasks, indicating differences in how they process attention and sensory information (2).
Attention and Control: Autistics might have unique ways of focusing their attention, which can sometimes make it challenging to shift focus or control responses (3)
Oddball tasks provide valuable insights into the unique ways people with autism perceive and interact with the world, helping researchers and clinicians better understand and support their needs
2 versions of this post
Empathy is the key to unlocking the door to compassion
Contemplation, one line a day.Towards a more humane society, an empathic society.
Spoon Theory and Autism
Plain Language Version
What is Spoon Theory?
Spoon theory helps explain how people with disabilities or chronic illnesses have limited energy each day. It was created by Christine Miserandino, who has lupus, to show what it's like to live with low energy.
How It Works
- Spoons = Energy: Imagine you have a certain number of spoons each day. Each spoon represents a bit of your energy.
- Using Spoons: Every activity, like getting out of bed, taking a shower, or going to work, uses up some of your spoons.
- Limited Spoons: People with disabilities have fewer spoons, so they need to be careful with how they use them to avoid running out of energy.
Spoon Theory and Autism
For autistic people, spoon theory can help explain why everyday things can be so tiring:
- Sensory Overload: Loud noises, bright lights, or crowded places can quickly use up spoons because they need a lot of energy to deal with.
- Social Interaction: Talking to people and being in social situations can be very tiring and use a lot of spoons too.
Understanding spoon theory can help people see why autistic individuals might get tired easily and need more rest. It encourages empathy and support, helping create a kinder and more inclusive world
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Blindsight - Rethinking Human Consciousness and Perception
Blindsight is a neurological phenomenon that challenges our understanding of human consciousness and perception. It occurs in individuals with damage to the primary visual cortex, the brain area responsible for conscious visual awareness. Remarkably, these individuals can still respond to visual stimuli despite claiming to be blind. This phenomenon reveals that sensory modalities are not solely tied to the subjective experience of seeing; rather, they encompass the brain's capacity to process visual information and use it to guide behavior, even without conscious awareness.
In blindsight, the brain can still receive and process visual signals, enabling individuals to navigate their environment, detect objects, and respond to visual cues without the conscious experience of seeing. This challenges the traditional notion that vision is solely defined by conscious visual experiences.
The dichotomy between subjective experience and functional ability in blindsight is striking. Despite individuals' assertions of blindness, their brains can process visual information, allowing for subconscious recognition and response to visual stimuli. Studies have demonstrated that patients with blindsight can accurately guess the location, movement, and even emotional expression of objects and faces they claim not to see consciously.
Blindsight underscores the complexity of sensory processing, suggesting that perception involves multiple layers of neural processing beyond mere awareness. The brain, in cases of blindsight, can extract valuable information from visual input and integrate it into motor responses and decision-making processes. This demonstrates that vision transcends the confines of conscious experience. Blindsight challenges our conventional understanding of vision by emphasizing the brain's role in interpreting sensory input and using it to shape behavior, highlighting the intricate interplay between sensory modalities and cognitive processes in the human brain.
Blindsight and Autism: Potential Links and Considerations
While blindsight and autism are distinct conditions with different underlying mechanisms, exploring potential connections can offer valuable insights into sensory processing and perception in both. Here are some key points to consider.
Subconscious Processing in Blindsight and Autism: Blindsight highlights the brain's ability to process sensory information outside of conscious awareness. Similarly, some theories suggest that autistics might process sensory information differently, potentially involving atypical subconscious processing. For instance, people with autism may exhibit heightened sensitivity or insensitivity to certain stimuli, which could be related to differences in how sensory information is integrated and perceived.
Research on Visual Processing in Autism: Studies on visual processing in autism have shown that autistics might have atypical responses to visual stimuli, including differences in eye movement patterns, gaze behavior, and the perception of social cues. While these differences do not equate to blindsight, they suggest variations in the way visual information is processed and used in guiding behavior, which could share some conceptual similarities with the functional dissociation seen in blindsight.
Conscious vs. Unconscious Perception: Blindsight involves a dissociation between conscious perception and the ability to respond to visual stimuli. In autism, there may also be instances where individuals are aware of sensory input but may not consciously interpret or respond to it in expected ways. This could be due to differences in attention, sensory integration, or other cognitive processes.
Neural Mechanisms and Pathways: Both conditions underscore the complexity of the neural pathways involved in sensory processing. In blindsight, alternative neural pathways (such as those involving the superior colliculus and extrastriate cortex) compensate for the loss of V1 function. In autism, differences in neural connectivity and brain function have been noted, which might influence how sensory information is processed and perceived.
Versions of this post
Stims and Multisensory Integration
In the context of multisensory integration, autism stims or self-stimulatory can be understood as a way to manage and regulate sensory input from their environment. Multisensory integration refers to the neurological process where the brain combines information from different sensory systems to form a comprehensive understanding of one's surroundings. For autistics, this integration process can be atypical, leading to unique sensory experiences and responses.
Understanding Stims in Relation to Multisensory Integration:
Implications for Support and Intervention:
Understanding Stims in Relation to Multisensory Integration:
- Compensating for Sensory Processing Differences: Autistics may experience hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory stimuli. Stims can be a method to either dampen overwhelming sensory input or to seek additional stimulation to compensate for under-responsiveness.
- Creating Predictable Sensory Experiences: Repetitive behaviors, such as rocking or hand-flapping, provide a predictable and controllable sensory experience in a world that can often feel unpredictable and overwhelming. This predictability aids in multisensory integration by providing a constant sensory feedback loop.
- Facilitating Focus and Concentration: For some, engaging in stimming behaviors can enhance focus and help filter out extraneous sensory information. This self-regulation can aid in better integrating relevant sensory inputs.
- Self-Soothing and Emotional Regulation: Stimming can be a way to calm oneself in response to sensory overload. It serves as a mechanism to regulate emotional responses that arise from difficulties in processing multisensory information.
- Enhancing Sensory Discrimination: Certain stims may help autistics to differentiate between different sensory inputs. For example, tactile stims like rubbing textures might help in focusing on specific tactile sensations amidst a confusing array of sensory data.
- Aiding in Social and Communicative Functions: In a social context, stimming might assist autistics in managing the multisensory complexity of social interactions, such as processing visual, auditory, and spatial information simultaneously.
Implications for Support and Intervention:
(THIS AREA IS STILL NOT WELL UNDERSTOOD & VERY MUCH A WORK IN PROGRESS)
- Personalized Sensory Environments: Creating environments that take into account an individual's specific sensory processing needs can reduce the necessity for stimming as a compensatory mechanism.
- Sensory Integration Therapy: In theory this therapy is supposed to help autistics develop better skills to integrate and process multisensory information, potentially reducing the reliance on stimming behaviors for sensory regulation. But there is a lot of confusing and conflicting information about what exactly constitutes SIT.
- Educational and Behavioral Strategies: Incorporating multisensory learning and behavioral strategies that align with an individual's sensory preferences can enhance their ability to process information from multiple senses simultaneously.
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