Hope is the fuel that drives us to create change and make a difference.- Hari Srinivasan
Harmony of the Autism Rhythmic Mind
Harmony of the Autism Rhythmic Mind
(Refrain)In the rhythm of minds, we find our song,Autism's beat, where we all belong.Yeah, yeah. Uh-huh.
In minds unique, like constellations so rare,
Autism's mind, it's everywhere.
Questions bloom, in rhythm and rhyme,
Different beats, in every time.
(refrain)
In the tapestry, we find our voice,
A vibrant pulse, our unique rejoice.
Unfolding universes in our mind,
Patterns merge, understanding we find.
(refrain)
Autism's gaze, sincere and deep,
Into mysteries, fearlessly we creep.
In every question, a beacon's glow,
Autism's minds, together, we grow.
(refrain)
Embracing disability, let's learn and flow,
Autism's minds, new insights show.
In the rhythm of thoughts, dreams gleam,
In the poetry of life, we find our dream.
(refrain)
Neuroception and Autism: Unpacking the Neurological Underpinnings of Safety Perception
Neuroception, a concept introduced by Dr. Stephen Porges, refers to the unconscious neural process by which the nervous system evaluates environmental stimuli to determine whether situations or people are safe, dangerous, or life-threatening. This assessment involves complex neural circuits that process sensory input and influence autonomic responses, particularly within the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Neuroception is pivotal in shaping an individual's physiological state and behavioral responses, particularly in the context of social engagement and self-regulation.
Research indicates that neuroception is closely linked to the vagal nerve's activity, a critical component of the parasympathetic nervous system. The polyvagal theory, also developed by Porges, suggests that the vagal nerve's two branches—the myelinated ventral vagal complex (VVC) and the unmyelinated dorsal vagal complex (DVC)—play distinct roles in regulating physiological states and behavioral responses (1). The VVC is associated with social engagement behaviors and a sense of safety, while the DVC is linked to immobilization responses often seen in life-threatening situations.
In autism, atypical neuroception may contribute to differences in sensory processing and social interactions. Autistic individuals often experience heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, which can result in their perceiving benign environments as overwhelming or threatening. This heightened state of perceived threat can trigger autonomic responses that manifest as anxiety, withdrawal, or challenging behaviors, complicating social engagement and adaptive functioning (2).
Neuroception is not merely a sensory processing issue but can be tied to a broader social construct known as hostile attribution bias. Hostile attribution bias is the tendency to interpret ambiguous situations or behaviors as having hostile intent. In autistic individuals, this bias might manifest due to heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, where the nervous system erroneously signals danger in non-threatening situations (1; 3).
Studies have shown that autistic individuals are more likely to perceive ambiguous social situations as hostile [4] compared to neurotypical peers, a tendency linked to higher levels of social anxiety and maladaptive behaviors such as aggression and self-injury (SIB). This bias may not only stem from inherent difficulties in social cue interpretation but could also be a result of chronic exposure to societal stigma and exclusion. Research suggests that prolonged negative social experiences, such as discrimination and misunderstanding, can significantly shape cognitive and emotional responses, leading to a heightened sensitivity to potential threats or hostile intentions (3).
Moreover, research has highlighted that the interoceptive accuracy, or the ability to accurately perceive internal bodily signals, may be altered in autism. This alteration can affect the individual's capacity to assess internal states, further influencing neuroception (3). As a result, interventions aimed at enhancing interoceptive awareness and modulating sensory input may offer therapeutic benefits by improving the neuroceptive processes in autistic individuals.
In conclusion, neuroception offers a framework for understanding the underlying neural mechanisms that influence how individuals with autism perceive and respond to their environment. By integrating findings from neurophysiology, sensory processing research, and therapeutic interventions, we can better support the development of strategies that promote adaptive functioning and well-being in the autistic community.
References:
Research indicates that neuroception is closely linked to the vagal nerve's activity, a critical component of the parasympathetic nervous system. The polyvagal theory, also developed by Porges, suggests that the vagal nerve's two branches—the myelinated ventral vagal complex (VVC) and the unmyelinated dorsal vagal complex (DVC)—play distinct roles in regulating physiological states and behavioral responses (1). The VVC is associated with social engagement behaviors and a sense of safety, while the DVC is linked to immobilization responses often seen in life-threatening situations.
In autism, atypical neuroception may contribute to differences in sensory processing and social interactions. Autistic individuals often experience heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, which can result in their perceiving benign environments as overwhelming or threatening. This heightened state of perceived threat can trigger autonomic responses that manifest as anxiety, withdrawal, or challenging behaviors, complicating social engagement and adaptive functioning (2).
Neuroception is not merely a sensory processing issue but can be tied to a broader social construct known as hostile attribution bias. Hostile attribution bias is the tendency to interpret ambiguous situations or behaviors as having hostile intent. In autistic individuals, this bias might manifest due to heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, where the nervous system erroneously signals danger in non-threatening situations (1; 3).
Studies have shown that autistic individuals are more likely to perceive ambiguous social situations as hostile [4] compared to neurotypical peers, a tendency linked to higher levels of social anxiety and maladaptive behaviors such as aggression and self-injury (SIB). This bias may not only stem from inherent difficulties in social cue interpretation but could also be a result of chronic exposure to societal stigma and exclusion. Research suggests that prolonged negative social experiences, such as discrimination and misunderstanding, can significantly shape cognitive and emotional responses, leading to a heightened sensitivity to potential threats or hostile intentions (3).
Moreover, research has highlighted that the interoceptive accuracy, or the ability to accurately perceive internal bodily signals, may be altered in autism. This alteration can affect the individual's capacity to assess internal states, further influencing neuroception (3). As a result, interventions aimed at enhancing interoceptive awareness and modulating sensory input may offer therapeutic benefits by improving the neuroceptive processes in autistic individuals.
In conclusion, neuroception offers a framework for understanding the underlying neural mechanisms that influence how individuals with autism perceive and respond to their environment. By integrating findings from neurophysiology, sensory processing research, and therapeutic interventions, we can better support the development of strategies that promote adaptive functioning and well-being in the autistic community.
References:
Porges, S. W. (2007). The polyvagal perspective. Biological Psychology, 74(2), 116-143.
Klintwall, L., Holm, A., Eriksson, M., Carlsson, L. H., Olsson, M. B., Hedvall, Å., & Fernell, E. (2011). Sensory abnormalities in autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32(2), 795-800.
Schauder, K. B., Mash, L. E., Bryant, L. K., & Cascio, C. J. (2015). Interoceptive ability and body awareness in autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 131, 193-200.
White, S. W., Ollendick, T., & Bray, B. C. (2011). College students on the autism spectrum: Prevalence and associated problems. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 15(6), 683-701.
Klintwall, L., Holm, A., Eriksson, M., Carlsson, L. H., Olsson, M. B., Hedvall, Å., & Fernell, E. (2011). Sensory abnormalities in autism. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 32(2), 795-800.
Schauder, K. B., Mash, L. E., Bryant, L. K., & Cascio, C. J. (2015). Interoceptive ability and body awareness in autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 131, 193-200.
White, S. W., Ollendick, T., & Bray, B. C. (2011). College students on the autism spectrum: Prevalence and associated problems. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 15(6), 683-701.
Echoes of Inquiry: A Reflection on Humanity
Echoes of Inquiry: A Reflection on Humanity
Find more of my poetry on my YouTube Channel and on this blog.
College Autism Summit
The Casio Lab and Wallace Lab booth at last month's college autism summit.
Both labs study Sensory System in Autism.
In layman's terms, the 2 labs study the internal and external sensory system respectively
The top photo shows Will doing the Rubber Hand Illusion with a conference attendee.
Carbo the touch robot is used to study touch amongst other things.
Inclusivity Mindset
Inclusivity isn’t a box to be checked, it’s a mindset to be embraced. Let’s approach each day, each decision, with the intent to foster spaces where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued - Victor Pineda
Blindsight - Seeing Without Knowing It
In Plain Language for the Lay Audience
Blindsight is a condition where people who are blind because of brain damage can still react to things they see, even though they don't know they can see them. This happens when the part of the brain that makes us aware of what we see is damaged, but other parts of the brain can still use visual information.
Even though people with blindsight say they are blind, their brain can still help them notice and react to things around them. They might avoid obstacles, recognize movements, or even guess people's emotions correctly, all without realizing they are seeing anything.
Blindsight shows us that seeing isn't just about being aware of what our eyes are showing us. It also involves different parts of the brain working together to process information and guide our actions, even if we aren't conscious of it. This condition helps scientists understand more about how our brain works and how it can process information in ways we don't always notice.
Blindsight and Autism: Potential Connections
Blindsight and autism, while different, can offer interesting insights into how our brains handle sensory information. Here are some points to consider:
Subconscious Sensory Processing: In blindsight, people can respond to visual things they don't consciously see, showing that the brain processes sensory information without our awareness. Similarly, autistics might process sensory information differently, sometimes being unusually sensitive or not noticing things others might, which could be due to how their brain integrates and interprets sensory signals.
Visual Processing Differences in Autism: Autistics may respond to visual cues in unique ways, such as having different eye movement patterns or ways of perceiving social signals like facial expressions. While this isn't the same as blindsight, it suggests that their brains might handle visual information differently, possibly similar to how blindsight involves unconscious visual processing.
Awareness vs. Response to Sensory Input: In blindsight, there's a split between not being aware of visual information and still responding to it. In autism, there may be times when individuals are aware of sensory input but might not react to it in typical ways. This could be due to differences in attention or how they process sensory information.
Complex Brain Pathways: Both conditions highlight the intricate pathways our brains use to process sensory information. In blindsight, other brain areas help compensate for the loss of primary visual processing areas. In autism, there may be differences in brain connectivity and function that affect how sensory information is processed and perceived.
These observations help us appreciate the complexity and variety in how people experience and respond to the world around them
Versions of this post
Mixtape of Ambivalent Moods
(Verse 1)
In the morning light, I rise with a grin
In the morning light, I rise with a grin
Feelin' good vibes, let the day begin
But tired eyes weigh heavy, my mood starts to bend
Ambivalence kicks in, it's a battle to comprehend,
(Refrain)
(Refrain)
Life's a mixtape, tunes of joy and sorrow
Embracing the heat, a new track to borrow
(Verse 2)
(Verse 2)
Hot day on the horizon, the sun's gonna blaze
Yet my energy wavers in unpredictable ways
Between feeling alive and the need to rest
Ambivalent heartbeats in my chest, a daily test
(Refrain)
(Refrain)
Life's a mixtape, melodies in the sun's glow
Balancing today, uncertain where I'll go,
(Verse 3)
(Verse 3)
The heatwaves ripple, my mind's in a haze
Ambivalence lingers in these summer days
Feelin' good, feelin' tired, it's a delicate dance
In this ever-changing moment, I find my balance,
(Refrain)
(Refrain)
Life's a mixtape, rhythms in the summer air
With each rise and fall, I'll meet life's dare.
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