"For some autistics, we can step right into the application of positive psychology. For others, we need to be working on challenge-based solutions at the same time. It’s not a binary, either/or situation where you do one at the expense of the other." - Hari Srinivasan
Showing posts with label Mental Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mental Health. Show all posts
My Ted X talk titled "Pebbles in the Pond of Change
Hari Srinivasan, shares a powerful message about the power of small actions in creating ever-widening ripples in the pond of change. Drawing from personal experiences and the legacy of disability rights leaders, he redefines progress as a journey that starts with simple, accessible steps. His inspiring message encourages everyone to identify and act on their own "small pebbles" to drive societal transformation.
When basic social inclusion is a non-starter, what kind of thriving and flourishing are we talking about.
"Positive psychology must also recognize the needs of the most marginalized in the autism community, such as those with high support needs who face significant communication, health, and behavioral challenges. Even basic social inclusion is a non-starter for a good chunk of such autistics. For instance, parents of neurotypical children might have concerns about their children around an autistic child who may be aggressive or have self-injurious behaviors. Another example is a young adult I know who is homebound, with a worker who comes once a week and sits outside the house so that the parent can run errands. Such autistics are excluded even from segregated adult day programs meant for autistics. So, what kind of thriving and flourishing of autistics are we talking about here?" - Hari Srinivasan
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2024.38246.pw
My Ted X talk titled "Pebbles in the Pond of Change
Hari Srinivasan, shares a powerful message about the power of small actions in creating ever-widening ripples in the pond of change. Drawing from personal experiences and the legacy of disability rights leaders, he redefines progress as a journey that starts with simple, accessible steps. His inspiring message encourages everyone to identify and act on their own "small pebbles" to drive societal transformation.
Neurotypical standards of Happiness
"Danger of misunderstanding and misrepresenting the autistic community, with interventions possibly imposing neurotypical standards of happiness that feel inauthentic or unrelatable." - Hari Srinivasan
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2024.38246.pw
My Ted X talk titled "Pebbles in the Pond of Change
Hari Srinivasan, shares a powerful message about the power of small actions in creating ever-widening ripples in the pond of change. Drawing from personal experiences and the legacy of disability rights leaders, he redefines progress as a journey that starts with simple, accessible steps. His inspiring message encourages everyone to identify and act on their own "small pebbles" to drive societal transformation.
Accounting for Sensory Sensitivities and Communication Methods
"There may be apprehensions about whether positive psychology interventions can be effectively tailored to meet the unique and varied needs of all autistic individuals, considering our diverse sensory sensitivities, communication methods, and personal preferences." - Hari Srinivasan
My Ted X talk titled "Pebbles in the Pond of Change
Hari Srinivasan, shares a powerful message about the power of small actions in creating ever-widening ripples in the pond of change. Drawing from personal experiences and the legacy of disability rights leaders, he redefines progress as a journey that starts with simple, accessible steps. His inspiring message encourages everyone to identify and act on their own "small pebbles" to drive societal transformation.
Exclusion of those with more complex needs
"Key concerns.... oversimplification of needs and the potential exclusion of those with more complex challenges when focusing solely on strengths and well-being. This approach risks neglecting the intricate support required by many on the spectrum. " - Hari Srinivasan
My TedX Talk
My Ted X talk titled "Pebbles in the Pond of Change
Hari Srinivasan, shares a powerful message about the power of small actions in creating ever-widening ripples in the pond of change. Drawing from personal experiences and the legacy of disability rights leaders, he redefines progress as a journey that starts with simple, accessible steps. His inspiring message encourages everyone to identify and act on their own "small pebbles" to drive societal transformation.
High Cost of Positive Psychology Services is a Barrier.
"Integrating Autism and the Positive Psychology fields faces significant barriers, starting with the high cost of therapy, which automatically makes it inaccessible to a large portion of autistics and their families. Being autistic already comes with a big financial cost." - Hari Srinivasan
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2024.38246.pw
Challenges-Based Solutions
"For some autistics, we can step right into the application of positive psychology. For others, we need to be working on challenge-based solutions at the same time. It’s not a binary, either/or situation where you do one at the expense of the other. " - Hari Srinivasan
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2024.38246.pw
Thriving and Flourishing.
“Positive psychology in the context of autism… is people with autism thriving and flourishing, and moving beyond surviving." - Hari Srinivasan
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2024.38246.pw
Misunderstanding that autistics with higher support needs do not experience mental health issues.
"Accessibility and inclusivity of positive psychology interventions is limited across the spectrum, particularly for the most marginalized members… A critical misunderstanding that exemplifies these issues is the misconception that autistics with higher support needs do not experience mental health issues. This not only excludes a significant portion of the autistic population from mental health initiatives but also from the benefits that positive psychology can offer, highlighting the urgent need for more inclusive and accessible practices in this field." - Hari Srinivasan
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/aut.2024.38246.pw
Stress Anxiety and Autism
Stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably, but from a scientific perspective, they are distinct concepts that involve different physiological and psychological processes.
What is Stress?
Stress is the body’s response to any demand or challenge, which can be physical, emotional, or psychological. It’s a natural reaction to specific stressors like an upcoming exam, a work deadline, or even a physical threat.Types of Stress:
- Acute Stress: This is a short-term response to an immediate threat or challenge, often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. During acute stress, the body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol to prepare for action.
- Chronic Stress: This occurs when stressors persist over a longer period, leading to a prolonged stress response. Chronic stress can negatively impact physical and mental health, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, depression, and anxiety disorders.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety, on the other hand, is a psychological state characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear that are typically disproportionate to the actual threat or challenge. Unlike stress, which is a response to an external stressor, anxiety often persists without a clear or immediate cause.Types of Anxiety:
- Situational Anxiety: This is a normal response to a stressful situation, such as public speaking or taking a test.
- Anxiety Disorders: These are mental health conditions where anxiety is excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily life. Examples include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.
Key Differences Between Stress and Anxiety
- Trigger: Stress is typically a response to a real, identifiable stressor, while anxiety may not have a clear trigger and is often more generalized.
- Duration: Stress can be acute or chronic, depending on the presence of the stressor. Anxiety tends to be more persistent and can exist even in the absence of stressors.
- Physiological Response: Both stress and anxiety can activate similar physiological responses, but anxiety often includes a more significant cognitive component focused on worry and fear about potential future events.
- Adaptiveness: Stress can be adaptive and helpful in certain situations by preparing the body to handle a challenge. In contrast, anxiety, especially when excessive or disproportionate, can be maladaptive and debilitating.
The Intersection of Stress, Anxiety, and Autism
For autistics, the experience of stress and anxiety can be more pronounced and complex. Autistics often face unique stressors, such as sensory overload, social challenges, and difficulties in communication. These stressors can contribute to both acute and chronic stress. Additionally, anxiety is highly prevalent among autistic people, with studies suggesting that up to 40% of autistics may also have an anxiety disorder.
Why Are Autistic Individuals More Vulnerable to Stress and Anxiety?
- Sensory Sensitivities: Many autistic individuals have heightened sensory sensitivities, which can make everyday environments overwhelming. This constant bombardment of sensory input can lead to chronic stress and anxiety.
- Social Challenges: Navigating social interactions can be particularly stressful for autistic individuals. Misunderstandings, the pressure to conform to social norms, and difficulties in interpreting social cues can all contribute to anxiety.
- Routine and Predictability: Autistic individuals often prefer routine and predictability. Sudden changes or disruptions to their routine can cause significant stress and anxiety, as they may struggle to adapt to new situations or cope with uncertainty.
- Communication Difficulties: Many autistic people experience challenges with communication, which can lead to frustration and misunderstandings, further exacerbating stress and anxiety levels.
How Your Posture Can Influence Your Emotions - Tips for Autistics
How Your Posture Can Influence Your Emotions - Tips for Autistics
Did you know that the way you sit or stand can impact how you feel? Research by Peper and Lin (2012) has shown that adopting certain body positions can significantly influence your emotional state. For example, sitting upright can boost your mood and energy levels, while slouching can make you feel more down or even depressed.Why This Matters for Autistics
For many autistics, understanding and managing emotions can be a unique challenge. However, becoming aware of how body posture affects feelings can be a simple yet effective tool for emotional regulation.
Here’s how posture can help:
- Boost Mood: Standing or sitting up straight can naturally elevate your mood and increase your energy levels.
- Manage Emotions: When feeling anxious or low, adjusting your posture to a more upright position can help improve your emotional state.
- Easy to Implement: This strategy doesn’t require any special equipment or training. Just being mindful of your posture can make a difference!
Quick Tips to Try:
- Check Your Posture: Throughout the day, notice if you’re slouching. Straighten up to see if it changes how you feel.
- Practice Mindfulness: Engage in activities like stretching or gentle yoga to improve body awareness and posture.
- Encourage Awareness: Have people around you check in on you and perhaps gently remind you about posture as a tool for emotional management.
Peper, E., & Lin, I. (2012). Increase or decrease depression: How body postures influence your energy level. Biofeedback, 40(3), 125-130.- They found that an upright posture can promote a more positive mood and energy levels, while a slumped posture can lead to increased feelings of depression.
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