Towards a more Humane Society. Contemplating a different emotion and writing one line each day on it. #MentalHealth.
Inaction is not an option
In the Gita's verses, wisdom unfurls
"Change is the only constant," the universe swirls
“One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is intelligent among humans.”
"Change is the only constant," the universe swirls
Time's shifting sand, ebb and flow
But inaction is not an option, we must choose where to go
Contemplation, one line a day.
Joy is the gratitude for the simple things in life
Contemplation, one line a day. #MentalHealth
Can CATI be used to measure autistic inertia
Can CATI be used to measure Autistic Inertia.
Autistic inertia refers to the challenges autistics may face in initiating, switching, or stopping activities, which can significantly impact various aspects of their lives, from daily routines to employment and social interactions. It manifests in numerous ways, including difficulties with time management, adjusting to changes, motivation, and focusing on tasks. Support strategiesinclude providing structure, teaching time management, organizing activities around energy levels, using visual reminders, establishing routines, breaking tasks down into manageable steps, and offering prompts or assistance with task initiation. [More on autistic inertia here].
While there are no current scales to measure autistic inertia, we could perhaps use one of the measures like CATI (Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory) [post on CATI] which covers a broad range of autistic traits, and has subscales may indirectly relate to behaviors and experiences that could be associated with autistic inertia; specifically - social interactions (SOC), communication (COM), social camouflage (CAM), repetitive behaviors (REP), cognitive rigidity (RIG), and sensory sensitivity (SEN).
While there are no current scales to measure autistic inertia, we could perhaps use one of the measures like CATI (Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory) [post on CATI] which covers a broad range of autistic traits, and has subscales may indirectly relate to behaviors and experiences that could be associated with autistic inertia; specifically - social interactions (SOC), communication (COM), social camouflage (CAM), repetitive behaviors (REP), cognitive rigidity (RIG), and sensory sensitivity (SEN).
- Cognitive Rigidity (RIG) could relate to difficulties with changing activities or adapting to new tasks, as it may measure aspects of flexibility in thinking and behavior.
- Repetitive Behaviors (REP) might also have connections to autistic inertia, given that a preference for sameness and routine or repetitive actions could impact the ability to start or stop activities.
- Sensory Sensitivity (SEN) could influence autistic inertia by affecting how sensory inputs are processed, potentially making transitions between activities more challenging.
- Social Interactions (SOC): Difficulties in understanding and engaging in social interactions could exacerbate feelings of inertia by increasing anxiety or reluctance to transition into social activities or contexts, impacting the ability to initiate or change social engagements.
- Communication (COM): Challenges with verbal and non-verbal communication may contribute to autistic inertia by making the prospect of initiating or adapting to communicative tasks more daunting, leading to delays or avoidance of these activities.
- Social Camouflage (CAM): The effort required to mask autistic traits in social situations could lead to increased inertia, as the mental and emotional resources expended on camouflaging may reduce the capacity to engage with new tasks or changes.
Contemplation, one thought a day
With optimism, the impossible becomes possible and the possible becomes probable.
Stimming in Autism - The Why and What
Stimming, a common behavior in autistics, encompasses a variety of sensory and motor actions.
Self-Stims leading to Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB)
Stimming on Objects/Activities:
Why do autistics Stim? Stimming behaviors can serve various purposes, such as:
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:
Progress over Perfection
In the quest for progress, perfection we ease
For wisdom and growth, our hearts find peace
For wisdom and growth, our hearts find peace
Through trials and errors, we gain insight
Becoming discerning, in life's long flight.
Philosophy teaches that imperfections define
Philosophy teaches that imperfections define
The path to enlightenment, a radiant sign
In our journey, self improvement bound
Progress over perfection, wisdom is found.
Contemplation, one line a day
Equanimity is the self-awareness that allows us to grow and learn
#MentalHealth
Contemplation, one line a day
The Decerebrate Cat Walking Experiment
In the realm of scientific exploration, certain experiments push boundariesin ways not acceptable by modern ethical standards. One such experiment involves decerebrate cats (popular in the 1940-50s and not done anymore), but which shed light on locomotion,
The Decerebrate Cat Walking Experiment: The video showcases a decerebrate cat walking on a treadmill at varying speeds, revealing three distinct gait patterns. Decerebrate cats have had their cerebral cortex removed, leaving the brainstem intact. Essentially the cat was paralyzed as its spinal cord didn't talk to its brain anymore which means there was not enough muscle tone to keep the body upright; so researched used a harness to hold the weight of the body.
Locomotion was initiated by sensory input of the limbs on the moving thredmill.
The primary goal of these experiments was to explore the extent of the brain's involvement in controlling movement. At what level in the brain is behavior (locomotion) controlled. Researchers aimed to test the idea that much of locomotion control might be inherent to an animal's biomechanics, rather than relying heavily on conscious brain commands.
Findings:
- Minimal Brain Control: during locomotion, especially in activities like walking, trotting, or running, minimal control comes from the brain itself. Instead, the experiments suggest that a significant portion of locomotion control is achieved through biomechanical and morphological features of the animal's body.
- Biomechanical Design: The experiments support the concept of passive dynamic locomotion, which proposes that animals are capable of controlling their movements efficiently by taking advantage of their natural biomechanical structure.
Diagnostic Overshadowing Issue in Autism
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.
-Hari Srinivasan, Newsweek
Read full article at: https://www.newsweek.com/dual-approach-autism-opinion-1818062
#Autism #Research #Strengths_based_opportunities #Challenges_based_solutions.
Contemplation, one insight a day
Optimism is the lens that allows us to see the world through the eyes of possibility.
Contemplation, one daily reflection
Hope is the beacon that guides us towards a better tomorrow.
#MentalHealth
Contemplation, one moment a day
Serenity is the harmony that comes with being in balance.
#MentalHealth
Phrenology according to Gall. A Historical Curiosity
The 18th century consensus on the brain was steeped in ancient beliefs that depicted it as an formless mass governing bodily functions. Franz Josef Gall, challenged this orthodoxy: the brain wasn't a mere lump of flesh but the very seat of our mental faculties, with distinct regions governing specific functions. This revolutionary idea laid the foundation for what we now recognize as "phrenology." While Gall's phrenological theories have been largely discredited in modern neuroscience, his work marked a significant shift in the study of the brain. Gall's work also contributed to the development of techniques for brain mapping and the understanding of cognitive processes.
Landing himself in plenty of hot water.
The prevailing view of the era was dominated by religious or philosophical beliefs rather than empirical research. Gall's ideas challenged long-held beliefs about the nature of the mind and the brain and landed in a lot of hot water.
The prevailing view of the era was dominated by religious or philosophical beliefs rather than empirical research. Gall's ideas challenged long-held beliefs about the nature of the mind and the brain and landed in a lot of hot water.
And the hot water was not just religions, but also social. Phrenology also had practical implications, as some individuals and organizations began using it for character assessment in various contexts, such as education and employment. This raised ethical and legal questions about the fairness and validity of making judgments about people based on phrenological assessments.
Gall's garnered both acclaim and criticism from his contemporaries. One notable figure was Johann Spurzheim, Gall's collaborator and rival, who further popularized phrenology and took it to international audiences. Another contemporary of interest is Marie-Jean-Pierre Flourens, a French physiologist who advocated for a more holistic view of brain function, emphasizing the importance of the brain as a whole rather than isolated "organs." Other scientific peers cast doubts upon his theories, criticizing the lack of empirical evidence and the inherently subjective nature of his observations. Phrenology, in their eyes, was more pseudoscience than genuine scientific inquiry.
Gall's Neuroanatomy Diagram: A Window into the Mind
Gall's most notable contribution was his intricate neuroanatomy diagram, which depicted the brain as a series of localized faculties or organs, each responsible for a particular aspect of personality or behavior. The size of these organs corresponded to a person's character traits and abilities. Obviously this is quite incredulous by today's standards - a historical curiousity.
Gall's most notable contribution was his intricate neuroanatomy diagram, which depicted the brain as a series of localized faculties or organs, each responsible for a particular aspect of personality or behavior. The size of these organs corresponded to a person's character traits and abilities. Obviously this is quite incredulous by today's standards - a historical curiousity.
- Firmness (in frontal lobe) Development of this area in the frontal lobe was associated with determination, willpower, and the ability to persevere in the face of challenges.
- Immortality: linked to religious and moral tendencies, as well as a sense of spirituality.
- Veneration (Parietal Love): related to feelings of respect, admiration, and reverence for authority figures or ideals
- Destructiveness (in lower back of brain): aggressive and combative behaviors, as well as a propensity for violence.
- Benevolence (frontal love): linked to kindness, empathy, and a compassionate nature.
- Acquisitiveness (forehead): desire for material wealth and possessions.
- Wit (Frontal Lobe): responsible for humor, quick thinking, and cleverness.
- Love of Offspring (back of brain):linked to parental instincts and the love and care of one's children.
- Secretiveness (Upper back of brain): associated with the tendency to keep secrets and be discreet.
- Self-Esteem (upper back of head): related to self-confidence, pride, and a sense of self-worth.
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