Find more of my poetry on my YouTube Channel and on this blog
https://www.newsweek.com/dual-approach-autism-opinion-1818062
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.
Crimson Friday
If Blue is Monday BLUES, then I assign color CRIMSON for Fridays - Fridays are playing a fiery catch up rush, on all that was due this week, not quite making the cut and knowing you are adding to next week's already big pile.
Read more of my poetry on YouTube on on this blog.
OMG I have so much, too much work left to do!!! #gradschoollife
In the thick
Event hosted by Spectrum at Cal during my undergrad years.
Panel on Autism Research
Now I'm in the thick of doing Autism Research. How about that!!
And this is the area I will be looking at https://youtu.be/TG67gYXyz1o
Contemplation, one line a day
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.
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