Are autistic people more susceptible to c-PTSD? How is PTSD treatment different for people with autism? What is the difference between PTSD and c-PTSD?
Dr. Megan Neff (@Neurodivergent_Insights) is a clinical psychologist in private practice (US, Oregon) who works with neurodivergent adults focusing on neurodiversity-affirming assessments and psychotherapy. Megan has gained 100,000 followers on Instagram through her unique content on misdiagnosis, highlighting the overlap between neurodiversities, and through her comprehensive workbooks through the Patreon platform.
Megan's Links – https://linkin.bio/neurodivergent_insights // My Links – https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK
Diagnosed at age 37 with autism and then ADHD, she felt encouraged to explore her own neurodiversity following her daughter's diagnosis. Thomas and Megan discuss the overlap between these two neurodiversities and how individuals may be considered ADHD or Autism dominant based on their presentation. For Megan, ADHD was difficult to spot because of her lifestyle based on her special interests.
Dr. Megan Neff begins by giving us a comprehensive list of criteria for PTSD and the complex world of PTSD… highlighting how autistic people often do not meet certain criteria related to significant traumatic events, and how the fear response related to PTSD can be amplified by our neurology. Megan describes how post-traumatic stress disorder can develop, explaining how chronically dangerous environments during childhood could sensitize the brain's fear center (amygdala).
Touching on philosophy and existential crisis, the two theorize about why autistic people are more prone to these “4th wall break” experiences. Megan goes on to tell us about the disparity between PTSD and autism statistics, and how this leads to a wide estimate of PTSD occurrence among the autistic population – even in the lowest, most conservative estimates, Autistic individuals are at least 10 times more likely to develop some form. of PTSD.
Dr. Neff points out a few reasons why autistic people are more likely to develop PTSD: higher rates of victimization, a more reactive nervous system, higher emotional and sensory sensitivity, as well as cortisol (stress hormone) responses. ) stronger and longer.
Thomas asks about treatment options, highlighting issues with medications and neurotypical-centered psychotherapy – they talk about possible therapies, medications, and alternative treatments like biofeedback, vagus nerve stimulation, EMDR, and work on personal family systems.
Song of the day (listen here) – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5UDIyN5TSYN4zMcRoQPrG8?si9255ed3480d840b5
Interview Me, 1:1 Autism Coaching, Public Speaking for Events, Workplace Training – https://www.thomashenley.co.uk
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