How Social Capital Can Empower Autistic Communities
In our interconnected world, the concept of "social capital" often comes up when discussing community well-being, networking, and social support. But what exactly is social capital, and what does it have to do with Autism?
Social capital refers to the networks, relationships, and norms that facilitate cooperation and support among people within a community. It's about the trust, mutual understanding, and shared values that make it easier for people to work together and help each other out. Think of it as the "glue" that binds communities together, allowing them to function effectively and support their members.
Social capital can be broken down into three main types:
Bonding Social Capital: This involves strong ties between close-knit groups, like family members or close friends. It's the deep trust and support that comes from tight connections.
Bridging Social Capital: This type refers to connections between more diverse groups. For example, acquaintances from different backgrounds or communities who come together for a common purpose, like a local sports team or a neighborhood association.
Linking Social Capital: This is about relationships with institutions or people in positions of power, like schools, employers, or government agencies.
Social Capital and Autism
For autistics, social capital can have profound implications. Navigating social networks and building relationships can be more challenging due to differences in communication styles, sensory sensitivities, and social expectations. These differences can sometimes lead to social isolation, which can impact an autistic person’s access to social capital.
Challenges in Building Social Capital
Research suggests that autistics often have less access to social capital, and autistic adults reported smaller social networks and fewer social supports. This limited social capital can affect various aspects of life, from employment opportunities to mental health and overall quality of life.
For many autistic people, traditional networking and social bonding activities can be stressful or inaccessible. Sensory overload in crowded environments, difficulties in interpreting social cues, or a lack of understanding from others can hinder the development of both bonding and bridging social capital.
The Importance of Inclusive Social Capital
However, social capital isn't just about quantity—it's also about quality and inclusivity. Building inclusive social capital means creating networks and communities where autistic individuals can thrive, contribute, and feel valued. It's about recognizing the unique strengths that autistic people bring to the table and ensuring that social networks are supportive and accommodating.
Inclusive practices, like sensory-friendly events, clear communication, and understanding different social needs, can help autistic individuals build meaningful relationships. Programs that promote autistic self-advocacy, mentorship, and peer support can also play a crucial role in enhancing social capital for autistic people.
For example, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and peer support to build strong, supportive communities for autistic individuals. These efforts help in creating a more inclusive form of social capital where autistic voices are heard and valued.
Building Bridges: Creating Supportive Networks
To improve social capital for autistic individuals, it's essential to focus on both bonding and bridging capital. Encouraging inclusive communities that celebrate neurodiversity and providing platforms for autistic people to connect with others can help build stronger, more diverse networks.
One way to foster bridging capital is through community programs that bring together autistic and non-autistic individuals in shared activities and interests. This could be anything from art classes to technology meetups, where people can bond over common hobbies and learn from each other's experiences.
Kasperski, R. and Blau, I., 2023. Can an online mentoring social network assist students with intellectual disabilities or autism in coping with special needs and accumulating social capital?. Education and Information Technologies, 28(5), pp.6027-6047.
Caught between tears and stoicism
My latest article in Psychology Today
Disabled individuals face conflicting expectations about emotional expression. Gus Walz's story reveals the bias and challenges around being authentic.
Read full article at:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/giving-voice/202409/caught-between-tears-and-stoicism
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Comments
The best piece I've read on the national convo about Gus Walz. Hari Srinivasan's perspective and insights, as a neurodiverse individual, bring a new level of depth into the dialogue
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Hari Srinivasan, a member of the Autism Society's Council of Autistic Advisors, discusses the public reaction to Gus Walz at the Democratic National Convention, exploring the implications of reactions and the way in which the public criticizes people with disabilities both for showing too much or too little emotion. He reminds us that emotional expression is a human experience, not defined by disability. 
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Another powerful piece by Hari Srinivasan, with important reflections that serve as a call to action.
For me, it's a reminder that listening to and trusting the experiences of Autistic people is at the heart of Autism Acceptance - and that acceptance and disability justice are at the heart of health, welllness and so many of the issues in our schools, homes, workplaces, and communities.
For me, it's a reminder that listening to and trusting the experiences of Autistic people is at the heart of Autism Acceptance - and that acceptance and disability justice are at the heart of health, welllness and so many of the issues in our schools, homes, workplaces, and communities.
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I’m so happy you wrote this piece. “What we should celebrate isn’t that Gus is neurodiverse and shows emotion, but that he is a teenager, proud of his father, and unafraid to express it. In a world where emotional expression is often suppressed or critiqued, especially in public figures and their families, his response is a refreshing reminder of our shared humanity.” Amen!
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Your article on Psychology today is fantastic and I as a dad of a 10 y.o kids with autism and ADHD realized about how sometimes I have asked my son "calm" down when he get overly emotional. I went through a lot of emotions while I was reading your article including guilt, shame and finally relief. It has been a constant learning journey and I am trying to be a better parent but your article is like a window into his brain, giving me some deeper insights into how differently he might be built. Please continue writing UN International Literacy Day
I'm featured in an UN Article for International Literary Day on Sep 2. How cool is that!!
Alexithymia and Interoception in Autism
Alexithymia is a term used to describe individuals who have difficulty recognizing and articulating their emotions. This condition can lead to significant challenges in emotional expression and interpersonal relationships. Those with alexithymia often struggle to identify their own emotions and may have trouble describing them to others, which can hinder effective communication and emotional connection.
Interoception refers to the perception and awareness of internal bodily states. It involves the ability to sense and interpret physiological signals originating from within the body, such as hunger, thirst, heartbeat, temperature, respiration, and the need for bodily functions. Interoception is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and overall well-being as it allows an individual to respond appropriately to bodily needs and emotional states. This internal sensory system plays a significant role in emotional experiences and self-regulation by linking physical sensations with emotional responses.
And yes, both can co-exist in autism.
Autistics often exhibit atypical interoceptive awareness, which can be either heightened or diminished. This variance can lead to unique challenges, such as difficulty identifying states of discomfort or illness, or misinterpreting signals of emotional changes, which are critical for social interactions and personal health management.
For example, autistics might find it difficult to recognize a sensation of fullness to prevent overeating or to feel a racing heartbeat when anxious. Moreover, atypical interoceptive awareness can affect pain perception, complicating healthcare experiences. An injection might feel more painful than usual, or a lack of reaction to pain might make it appear to healthcare providers that there is no injury or less pain. Additionally, autistics might confuse a racing heartbeat resulting from exercise (a positive physical activity) with a racing heartbeat due to fear or anxiety, leading to difficulties in emotional and physical self-regulation.
Furthermore, atypical interoceptive awareness can result in challenges such as delayed toilet training. Recognizing the need for bodily functions like urination may be delayed, inconsistent or unclear, leading to practical and social difficulties like random incontinence even in adulthood.
From a neuroscience perspective, the insular cortex and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) are critical regions involved in interoception. The insula integrates interoceptive signals with emotinal and cognitive processes, while the ACC is associated with the emotional experience of pain. In individuals with autism, atypical functioning in these brain areas can contribute to altered interoceptive processing and emotional awareness. For example, fMRI studies have shown differences in insula activation in response to interoceptive tasks in autism, which may underpin the atypical interoceptive awareness observed clinically.
Impaired interoceptive awareness can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals with alexithymia, making it harder to connect emotional experiences with physiological responses. Consequently, addressing both alexithymia and interoception is crucial for enhancing emotional intelligence and overall well-being. Research indicates that improving interoceptive skills may offer a pathway to better emotional regulation and awareness, fostering improved interpersonal connections and emotional health.
2 Versions of this article:
Related Posts on #Interoception, #Alexithymia
Looking back at the Fellowship
How do you describe The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans program to others?
Keywords I would use to describe this Fellowship are community and vision. What I have found profoundly moving was that I was surrounded by a cohort who all shared a vision of transformation; albeit in our own ways and areas. It got me thinking that surely such mindsets will be paradigm-shifting.
23 Medals
At the recent Paris Olympics - UC Berkeley's contingent of 59 Olympians (current students and alums) amassed 23 medals in nine different sports at the 2024 Summer Games. If UC Berkeley were a country, it would rank 12th in the overall medal count.
https://calbears.com/news/2024/8/13/golden-bears-tie-school-record-with-23-medals.aspx
Proud alum of UC Berkeley..... Such amazing years there.
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.
Understanding Autistic Inertia
PlainSpeak. In Plain Language for the Lay Audience
Newton's Law of Inertia
Newton's Law of Inertia says that an object will stay still if it's already still, and if it's moving, it will keep moving in the same direction and speed unless something makes it change.
Autistic Inertia
We use this idea to describe how some autistic people have trouble starting or stopping tasks.
Starting Tasks: Just like an object at rest, some autistic people find it hard to begin tasks. They might feel stuck and need something to help them get going.
Stopping Tasks: Once they start a task, it can be hard to stop. They might keep doing the same thing over and over, like being stuck in a loop.
This difficulty also affects:
- Switching Between Tasks: Changing from one activity to another can be tough.
- Adjusting to Changes: Adapting to new environments or situations can be challenging.
- Maintaining Focus: Staying focused on a task can be hard, but so can switching off that focus when needed.
- Decision Making and Planning: Making decisions, planning, and following through with plans can be difficult.
- Mental Health: Anxiety and depression can make these challenges worse.
Even if someone knows they need to start or stop a task, they might feel stuck and unable to do so, which can be exhausting. This can lead to burnout, where they feel completely worn out.
Causes
Autistic inertia can be caused by:
- Sensory Overload: Too much sensory input can make it hard to start or stop tasks.
- Motor Issues: Problems with movement and coordination.
- Executive Dysfunction: Difficulty with planning and organizing.
- Anxiety: High levels of anxiety can make these challenges worse.
This can make it hard to finish tasks, meet deadlines, and stick to a schedule for work or school, often leading to burnout.
Advantages
Sometimes, autistic inertia can help with hyper-focus, allowing someone to deeply concentrate on learning a specific topic.
Misconceptions
Autistic inertia is often misunderstood as laziness or lack of motivation. It can affect anyone, regardless of their support needs or ability to speak. It can be even more complex for those with movement issues, sensory challenges, and coordination problems.
What Can Help
To help manage autistic inertia:
- Use Reminders: Set reminders on your watch or calendar.
- Get Support: Ask others for help when needed.
Everyone’s needs are different, so the type and amount of help will vary from person to person.
2 Versions of this Post
Hybrid as an accommodation
Hybrid as an accommodation gets to the heart of some of the core features of autism: social communication challenges and sensory sensitivities.
- Hari Srinivasan, Fortune
Read full article at https://fortune.com/2023/07/27/flexible-work-critics-using-same-arguments-were-used-oppose-disabled-ramps-closed-captioning-equity-access-never-optional-remote-work-careers-hari-srinivasan/
An important reminder
"Disability only becomes a tragedy when society fails to provide the things needed to lead one's daily life." - Judy Heumann (Disability Rights Activist)
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