Blindsight and its relevance to Autism

Autism Lexicon: Blindsight

Blindsight refers to the residual visual capabilities in individuals with damage to the primary visual cortex, allowing them to respond to visual stimuli without conscious perception. Its relevance to autism lies in investigating the potential for similar dissociations between conscious and subconscious sensory processing in autistic individuals.[Read More: Academic/Scientific Audience ]

PlainSpeak: Blindsight is a phenomenon where people with certain types of brain damage can respond to visual stimuli without consciously seeing them. Its connection to autism involves exploring how sensory information might be processed differently in both conditions, sometimes without conscious awareness. [Read more: PlainSpeak Plain Language for Lay Audience]

Hostile Attribution Bias

Autism Lexicon: Hostile Attribution Bias 

Hostile attribution bias is a cognitive tendency to interpret ambiguous behaviors of others as having hostile intent or leading to hostile outcomes. In autism, this bias is linked to social communication challenges and a heightened sensitivity to perceived social threats. 

PlainSpeak:   Hostile attribution bias is when someone thinks others are being mean on purpose, even if it's not clear. In autism, this happens more often because autistic people can struggle with understanding social cues and might feel more easily threatened.

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Read more on Hostile Attribution Bias: [Version for Scientific/Academic Audience],  [PlainSpeak for the Lay Reader], [A Simple Definition]

Related Posts on [Neuroception], [Negative Attribution Bias] 

Negative Attribution Bias

Autism Lexicon: Negative Attribution Bias

Negative attribution bias in autism is the tendency to interpret ambiguous social cues as having negative intentions or untrustworthy, often stemming from past trauma or lifelong experiences of discrimination and ableism.

PlainSpeak: Negative attribution bias in autism means seeing others' actions as negative due to a lack of trust, often caused by past bad experiences or ongoing unfair treatment

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Read more on Negative Attribution Bias: [Version for Scientific/Academic Audience],  [PlainSpeak for the Lay Reader], [A Simple Definition]

Related Posts: [Hostile Attribution Bias], [Neuroception]

E-I Imbalance Theory of Autism

The E-I Imbalance hypothesis posits that an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling in the brain contributes to the sensory, cognitive, and behavioral features of autism.

PlainSpeak: This idea says that a mix-up between signals that excite and calm the brain can cause the sensory, thinking, and behavior issues in autism.

Read in more detail about E-I Imbalance

For the Scientific/Academic Audience

PlainSpeak / Plain Language for the Lay Reader

Predictive Coding Theory of Autism

Predictive coding is a theoretical framework in which the brain is modeled as a hierarchical system that generates predictions about incoming sensory data, constantly updating its internal models to minimize prediction errors. Autism, in the context of predictive coding, is hypothesized to involve atypicalities in how the brain generates, updates, and weights predictions and prediction errors, contributing to sensory sensitivities, repetitive behaviors, and social difficulties.[Read in more detail]

PlainSpeak: Predictive coding is the idea that the brain works like a prediction machine, guessing what’s going to happen next and adjusting when something unexpected happens. Autism might involve the brain having a harder time making and adjusting predictions, which can lead to challenges with senses, routines, and social interactions. [ Read in detail. PlainSpeak Version]

Read in More Detail about Predictive Coding Theory of Autism

For the Scientific/Academic Audience

PlainSpeak Plain Language for Lay Reader

A Short Definition

Alexithymia

Auti Lexicon: Alexithymia

Alexithymia is characterized by difficulty in recognizing and expressing one's emotional experiences. It means having trouble recognizing and describing your own emotions. People with alexithymia often can't tell what they are feeling and find it hard to explain their emotions to others. This can make it difficult to connect with others and share feelings.

Read more at 

https://uniquelyhari.blogspot.com/2023/04/alexithymia.html

https://uniquelyhari.blogspot.com/2023/10/alexithymia-and-interoception.html

https://uniquelyhari.blogspot.com/2024/07/Alexythymia-Interoception1.html

The PV Hypothesis of Autism

The Parvalbumin (PV) hypothesis of autism suggests that dysfunction in PV-expressing interneurons leads to an imbalance in excitation and inhibition, contributing to core features of autism such as sensory hypersensitivity and seizures. [Read in more detail For the Science/Academic Reader]

Layspeak: The PV hypothesis of autism proposes that problems with specific brain cells called PV neurons cause an imbalance in brain signals, leading to common autism traits like sensitivity to sensory inputs and a higher chance of seizures. [Read in more Detail PlainSpeak for the Lay Reader]

Read in More Detail

PlainSpeak for the Lay Reader

For the Science/Academic Reader

A short definition

MTT Mental Time Travel

Mental Time Travel (MTT) refers to the cognitive ability to mentally project oneself backward in time to recall past events or forward in time to anticipate future scenarios. In relation to autism, MTT research explores how individuals with autism may experience differences in episodic memory and future-oriented thinking, potentially leading to challenges in recalling specific personal events or imagining detailed future scenarios. [ Read in more detail on MTT]

PlainSpeak: Mental Time Travel (MTT) is our brain’s way of thinking back to past memories or imagining what might happen in the future. For people with autism, MTT might work differently, sometimes making it harder to remember personal events or imagine future plans. [Read in more detail, a PlainSpeak Version]

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Related Posts: [Autism Theories], [Sensorimotor], [Neuroscience of Autism]

Special Interests

Special interests in autism are intense and highly focused areas of interest that individuals may pursue with great enthusiasm and expertise, often serving as a source of comfort and a means of coping with sensory and social challenges.

PlainSpeak: Special interests are topics or activities that autistic people are extremely passionate about and know a lot about, which can be both a hobby and a way to feel comfortable.

Read more about Special Interests 

• Neurocognitive explanation
• Plain Language

Monotropism

 Monotropism in autism refers to a cognitive tendency toward deep focus on specific interests or tasks, often leading to intense concentration and reduced awareness of broader contexts or multiple stimuli.

PlainSpeak: Monotropism is when someone, often an autistic person, focuses deeply on one thing, making it hard to pay attention to other things around them.

Read more about Monotropism 

• Neurocognitive explanation
• Plain Language

Neuroception - Safety Perception

Autism Lexicon - Neuroception

Neuroception is the brain's automatic process of evaluating environmental safety and threat levels, often dysregulated in autism, leading to heightened sensitivity to sensory input and potentially contributing to negative attribution bias and hostile attribution bias. [ Read in more detail on Neuroception here].

PlainSpeak: Neuroception is how our brain unconsciously decides if we're safe or in danger. In autism, this process can be heightened, causing some people to see everyday situations as more threatening, which can affect how they respond to others. [ Read in more detail on Neurocepton here]. 

Related Posts on [Neuroception], [Negative Attribution Bias] and [Hostile Attribution Bias]

Diagnostic Overshadowing

Autism Lexicon: Diagnostic Overshadowing

Diagnostic overshadowing in autism occurs when the symptoms and behaviors associated with autism obscure or overshadow the presence of other mental or physical health conditions. This can lead to misdiagnosis, underdiagnosis, or delayed diagnosis of other conditions, ultimately impacting the individual's overall care and treatment outcomes. 

PlainSpeak: Diagnostic overshadowing in autism is when doctors focus too much on autism and miss other health problems because they think it must be all because of autism.  

Read in more detail...

 For Academic/Scientific Reader

PlainSpeak for the Lay Reader

 More Posts on this topic

The Cocktail Party Effect

The cocktail party effect refers to the brain's ability to focus on a specific auditory stimulus, such as a single conversation, in a noisy environment. In autism, difficulties with this selective auditory attention may contribute to sensory overload and challenges in social communication.

PlainSpeak:  The cocktail party effect is the ability to tune into one conversation in a noisy room. Many autistic individuals may find this difficult, leading to sensory overload and making social situations challenging.

Read more on the Cocktail Party Effect: 

Academic/Scientific Audience 

PlainSpeak for Lay Reader

Weak Central Coherence Theory of Autism

Autism Lexicon: Weak Central Coherence (WCC) Theory

The WCC Theory is a cognitive theory of autism (cognitive theories try to explain how autistics think). 

It suggests that  autistics focus on noticing details but might struggle with seeing the bigger picture. This affects how they see and understand the world around them. This unique way of thinking brings both strengths and challenges, affecting everyday tasks, social interactions, and work or hobbies.

Read about WCC in more detail 

For the Academic/Scientific Audience

PlainSpeak Plain Language for the Lay Reader

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Other posts on WCC

Other Theories of Autism

Cognitive Theories and Sensorimotor Explanations for Autism

While no single theory or idea fully explains all aspects of autism, each attempts to provide insights into different cognitive, sensory or behavioral characteristics associated with autism or the history behind why things could be the way they are. Here are some of the theories, ideas and issues. they can also be found in posts in the following hashtags [#sensorimotor] [#AutismTheories]

• Active Sensing
• Alexithymia
• Apraxia
• Asset Framing
• Attribution Errors
• Autistic Burnout
• Autistic Inertia
• Blindsight
• Body Schema
• Camoflauging
• Catatonia
• Cocktail Party Effect
• Cognitive Dissonance Theory
• Depersonalization
• Double Empathy Problem
• Dyspraxia
• ECCT - Executive and Contextual Control Theory 
• E-I Imbalance Theory
• EPF - Enhanced Perceptual Functioning Model
• ES Theory of Autism
• Executive Dysfunction Theory
• Exteroception
• Flat Effect
• Fluid & Crystallized Intelligence
• Hostile Attribution Bias
• Implicit and Explicit Bias
• Intense World Theory
• Interoception
• Linear & Non Linear Thinking
• Local and Distributed Information
• Lucid Dreaming
• Masking
• Mental Age 
• Mental Time Travel
• Monotropism
• Multiple Intelligences 
• Neuronal Pruning Theory
• Negative Attribution Bias
• Neuroception
• Peripersonal Space (My area of research)
• Predictive Coding Theories
• Predictive Homeostatis Theory
• Propagnosia
• PV Neuron Hypothesis
• Sensory Processing (see #Sensorimotor)
• Social Motivation Theory
• Special Interests (SPIN)
• Spoon Theory
• Stimming
• Synesthesia
• Temporal Binding Window
• Theory of Mind
• Triple Bind and Masking 
• Weak Central Coherence Theory

Infantile Autism v Regressive Autism

 Did you know?

Infantile Autism vs Regressive Autism

Spoon Theory and Autism

Spoon Theory: Spoon theory is a conceptual framework that uses "spoons" as units to represent finite daily energy reserves in individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses. In autism, it underscores the significant energy demands associated with sensory processing challenges and social interactions, which can lead to rapid energy depletion.[Read on at.. 

PlainSpeak: Spoon theory is a way to explain the limited energy people with disabilities or chronic illnesses have, using "spoons" as a metaphor for energy. For autistic people, it highlights how everyday activities and sensory experiences can quickly deplete their energy, helping others understand the need for empathy and support.

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 needed

Stimming in Autism - The Why and What

Stimming, a common behavior in autistics, encompasses a variety of sensory and motor actions.

Types of Stims

Self-Stimming

• Visual: Triggered by or seeking  lighting change -  including flicking fingers in front of eyes, staring at ceiling fans, and repeated blinking.
• Auditory: Manifest as tapping on objects, snapping fingers, replaying songs, humming, repeating words or sounds, and tongue clicking.
• Olfactory & Taste: Involving smelling objects (even unpleasant odors), eating non-food items like paper, and licking body parts.
• Tactile: Such as rubbing skin.
• Vestibular & Proprioceptive: Including rocking, toe-walking, pacing, jumping, rolling, spinning, and throwing objects.

Self-Stims leading to Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB)

• Actions like head banging, biting one's own wrist, and excessive skin rubbing that can cause tissue damage.

Stimming on Objects/Activities:

• Lining up objects (e.g., lining up toys) 
• Creating specific patterns with objects, rejecting all other arrangements.
• Spinning wheels on toys. Looking at the ceiling fan spinning. 

Why do autistics Stim? Stimming behaviors can serve various purposes, such as:

• Reducing anxiety and calming oneself.
• Aiding in sensory and emotional regulation.
• Self-soothing, communicating, experiencing excitement.
• Coping with overstimulation or boredom.
• Avoiding tasks or seeking attention.
• Stimulating senses
• Expressing frustration, particularly in those with communication challenges.
• Easing pain or discomfort
• Could be indicative of seizure activity.

Differences Between Autistic and Non-Autistic Stimming: 

The irony is that neurotypicals stim all the time too like the endless clicking of the TV remote, doodling, chewing the end of a pencil or pen, drumming fingers etc. NT stimming are regarded as "socially acceptable"

Autistic stimming often differs in its intensity and ability to be moderated/changed/stopped according to the situation. 

How much stimming is too much:

• While some level of stimming can be calming, crossing a certain threshold may lead to behaviors resembling Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), further inducing anxiety.
• What might a mild, controllable/adaptable habit in an non-autistic, could become an unmanageable compulsion in a non autistic. 

Stimming in autism is a multifaceted behavior with various forms and functions. Understanding these behaviors is crucial for providing appropriate support and interventions. It's important to recognize the individual needs and experiences of each person with Autism, as stimming serves different purposes and requires a tailored approach in each case.

Related Posts: 

• Autistics Must Stim 
• Stimming & Multisensory Integration
• Sensory Walkabout
• Is Stimming Soothing?
• Fidget Toys & Autism
• Autism & Trains.  
• Vestibular & Proprioception in Autism 
• Do Noise Cancelling Headphones work for Sensory Overstimulation

DSM v ADOS

Lexicon [Measures] DSM, ADOS

DSM-5-TR (latest version of DSM) and ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition)  are two distinct tools used in assessment and dx of autism.

DSM-5-TR 

• Diagnostic manual that outlines the criteria for diagnosing ASD, including the presence of social communication deficits and RRB. 
• Serves as a reference for clinicians and researchers in making diagnostic decisions and ensures consistency in the diagnosis of ASD.

ADOS-2 

• Standardized observational assessment tool designed to aid in the diagnosis of ASD. 
• Administered by a trained professional and involves direct interaction with the individual  
• consists of a series of activities and social scenarios that allow the examiner to observe and evaluate the individual's communication skills, social interaction, play, and RRB. 
• It helps in determining whether an individual meets the diagnostic criteria for ASD and provides information to inform intervention and treatment planning.

ADOS-2 can be utilized as part of the diagnostic process, providing information to support the dx under DSM-5. Both tools are commonly used together to aid in the assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Related Posts: [DSM],[ADOS],[Measures]