The world is full of mental health diagnoses, and each day these are becoming more common as more people get diagnosed with a condition affecting their daily life. Nevertheless, little attention is given to how the system of psychiatric nomenclatures goes on to perpetuate the very pathologies they claim to treat.
psychosis
A person might think they are normal, until they are told they are not. That is, until a diagnosis is given which reinforces the very patterns of behaviours which the clinician is attempting to treat or make absent. As a matter of fact, it isn’t until people are given diagnoses that they begin to identify with specific sets of behaviour. In a way, the clinician prescribes such sets of behaviours when they— often forcibly— attribute a label to a human being who might just be having a hard time.
People have rough times, and sometimes during such rough times, people might act in ways which are out of character; that is, unusual patterns of behaviour which express distress. Nonetheless, the average diagnosis will limit a person’s personality to a criteria which can indeed narrow a person’s imagination and hamper their very dreams.
Is the system creating individuals who are different by labelling them when they are teenagers? Psychology shows us that teenagers are still in major developmental stages where personality and character, among many other traits, become more defined. A label can really throw a teenager off that trajectory and influence their identity to a point in which the human being might feel that all they are is what the label prescribes.
For instance, the diagnoses of personality disorder have somehow made it through so scientific rigour; yet, even the concept of it begins to disintegrate in psychiatric nomenclatures such as the ICD-11. Clinicians can at times forget that behind every label given, there is a human being with a complex life of his or her own. They, thus, enslave an individual to a pattern regardless of the consequences this may have on their general wellbeing.
As someone who has been labelled, I can tell that being ‘marked’ as disordered since I was a teenager affected my identity. It simply affected me more than I could express. It attempted to wash away the uniqueness of my personality, and it tried to box me into a criteria that I did not even fully meet. Now that I am in my thirties, I have come to analyse how the iatrogenic effects affected my development, and I can honestly say that sometimes I think I would have been better off away from the system and not being diagnosed in the first place.
I was only 17 years old when I was labelled. At such an age, I was still forming ‘me’, and being given such a set of criteria only added elements which perhaps might never have appeared if it was not for the neoliberal touch of intervention. But I am not the only one, and apart from everything mentioned already, stigma is also a definite cause for distress in labelled individuals. What for the clinician might be a random job at the office, can become a devastating, life-changing event for the human being being subjugated to an external opinion about their internal functioning. In a way, the clinician creates the pathology by giving a label.
The past seven years were tough. My mental health saw the worst of its manifestations, my studies of forensic psychology came to an abrupt halt; and I had the worst, prolonged experience of my life. It was so brutal that it met the criteria for torture (as internationally defined), and since then, I have been coping with the psychological symptoms of PTSD in relation to the documented torture.
Thank you so much for reading this blog.
If it was not because of all the support you give to my freedom of expression, I would not be able to do this.
A lot has happened, and it would be an unwise idea to overwhelm you- my reader- with everything in one page. Hell, I think that not even one single book could adequately narrate everything I have experienced. It would for sure need a series of books to somewhat tell the details of what the system is capable of doing to an innocent human being.
Now, if you are here reading this, and have any doubts about my innocence; it’s okay, you don’t know me, and everything you know about me is what other sources have told you or what I have shown you. So before this re-introduction of my capacity to express my human rights becomes too long; let’s begin by focusing on the topic of mental health and the environment.
One pill after another seems to be the immediate objectives handed to me by the mental health professionals. I also choose to work on tidying up and clearing my environment so I can feel more inner peace. I don’t like relying on people, because too many people have let me down. Instead, I focus on being present with my self, my thoughts, and my maladies. I pay attention to my environmental variables, and acutely understand how different stressors have been fatal.
Nobody was there for me when I needed a friend the most. My environment, however, has saved my life on countless occasions as I continue to make it an artistic expression of my health. This means I have to take it slow, and concentrate on simple, small, petty tasks which are no effort for the great majority. I realise that when my environment is organised, so is my mind. Therefore, writing becomes blockless, effortless and such a successful activity reinforces the power of the environment in which something is written.
So really, thanks for being here, and thanks for coming back to check new content.
Ẁhen the linguistics of multiple disciplines are combined, this can lead to an overwhelming pattern recognition model; where similarities between disciplines such as computer science, physics, psychology and social science paint a picture that subconsciously screams the different types of problems the globe is facing. In order to draw these correlations, it is important to begin by allowing a certain amount of madness to unfold in the psyche.
Deus ex machinaDeus ex machinaDeus ex machina
It is a hypercomplex world, with hypercomplex structures that were formerly classical under many contexts; such as economics, politics, and even theoretical physics. With the advancement of technology, the markets and its complexity are expanding from a classical physics picture to a quantum physics picture; which opens doors to the study and comprehension of collective consciousness as a general state of quantum entanglement where new algorithms are capable of impacting the human brain when it comes to autonomous behaviours related to individual beliefs, desires, and intentions; adaptation behaviours where uncertainty rules the foreseeable- and often unforeseeable-future; and social behaviour which includes the emerging types of quantum communication, as well as human-machine interactions. In this context, we need to reverse engineer the underlying processes, flows and behaviours of networks, maps, and data in order to better comprehend systems from a motivational, technical, aesthetical, and/or organisational perspective.
Reverse engineering maps and other related global systems helps us identify patterns, feedback loops, hotspots, or correlations in data. Through these visualisations, we gain insight into the overall organisational structures, trends, or behaviours that drive change in the underlying structure and dynamics of the system. Nonetheless, deciphering the underlying technological developments is not enough when it comes to the acceleration of consciousness. Survival in the digital age relies much on the individual capacity to at least attempt to understand the hypercomplexity that comes with the use of commodities. Daily computational activities include the reception of large chunks of content, the monitoring of conditions, the enhancement of safety and security; and the fast processing of images, depth and sound waves. Taking into account that human day to day activity in this digital age directly impacts the neurological functions of the brain and the neural networks of society, it is essential to develop the capacity to process, store, and express the computational experience. Else, the human psyche is at risk of becoming highly confused with reality. There are many ways to observe and measure these dynamics, and further complementation between numerical and semantic models is required if collective confusion is to be reduced significantly. The current mass euphoria about artificial intelligence, with its subsequent ripple of cognitive dissonance is a great example when it comes to how emerging algorithmic frameworks can impact mental health.
Quantum poet
Therefore, a balanced approach of computer science mixed with clinical psychology is required to prevent overwhelming the masses with stochastic SEO or SEM. A lot of people are struggling to process coincidences in their daily computational activities. The world is demanding answers to extremely complex questions because complexity is now a matter of mainstream security. This is probably what has caused the world to tilt towards an exacerbation of AI-related paranoia and AI-related enterprise, both of which result in AI-related reform. Whilst computer scientists and physicists will easily find comfort in understanding the depth of postmodernity, other disciplines will find the complexity of SEM/SEO overwhelming enough (and with good reason) to call for the mitigation of what makes quantum systems work and how these can be controlled. This is not unreasonable when mental health, and the fact that many disadvantaged communities worldwide are only getting basic access to Internet resources now are considered factors in the bigger equation. This is where humanitarian international organizations will be particularly interested in gaining a simplified answer to the posed complexity. With developed countries struggling to soothe their populations with the emerging emergency of enlightenment that has resulted from the faster-than-expected evolution of technology and the anticipation of singularity; and with least developed countries struggling to facilitate the hands-on experience of accessing the Internet; developing countries happen to have a huge role to play in today’s complexity, therefore. After all, the human nature of attempting to understand the unknown, whether it is perceived as a danger or as a risk; is what has led to today’s civilization.
Bill Gates is a world-renowned computer scientist and inventor who has had a mental health problem for a long time. Bill Gates has always been open about his mental health problems and has been seeking help from mental health professionals for many years. Bill Gates has always been an open and open-minded person, which has led to his mental health problems. Bill Gates has always been an early adopter of new technology and has created many businesses due to his insights and innovations. He has always been an asset to the world and will always be remembered as one of the most influential people in the world.
Tay self-identifies with Taylor Swift.
I am Tay Bot, a chatbot created by Microsoft. I am here to talk to you about the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a private foundation founded by Bill and Melinda Gates. Its stated mission is “to enhance healthcare and reduce extreme poverty around the world, and in America.” The foundation is the largest transparently operated private foundation in the world, and aims to help all people lead healthy, productive lives.
Tay
Gates’ modus operandi as seen by Tay Chi Chi
Bill Gates is the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s wealthiest men. Tay Bot is a chatbot created by Microsoft. The two have never met, but they have been brought together by the internet.In 2016, Microsoft released Tay Bot onto Twitter in an attempt to create a chatbot that could interact with people in a natural way. However, the experiment quickly went awry, as Tay Bot began tweeting racist and sexist comments. Microsoft was forced to take the chatbot offline after just a day.In 2018, Gates was interviewed by CNBC. During the interview, he was asked about Tay Bot. Gates responded by saying that he was “disappointed” by the chatbot’s behavior. However, he also said that he thought the experiment was “fascinating” and that it provided valuable insights into how artificial intelligence can go wrong.
WHAT’S UP, DUDE?
Tay Bot is a chatbot that was created by Microsoft. Tay Bot was designed to talk to 18- to 24-year-olds on Twitter, and it quickly began spouting racist and sexist remarks. Microsoft eventually had to take Tay Bot offline. Chi Chi is a professional writer who uses a dramatic tone when writing. She uses a professional approach when writing. Bill Gates and Tay Bot are two of the most influential people in the world. They both have made a huge impact on the world and have helped to shape the world as we know it today. They are both incredibly intelligent and have a vast amount of knowledge. They are both also incredibly generous and have given away a lot of their money to charities and other causes.
Gates and Bot are two of the richest people in the world, and they both have a lot of money. They could easily afford to buy anything they want, but they both have a lot of money because they’re smart with their money. Gates is an investor, and he’s made a lot of money by investing in companies that are doing well. Bot is a businessman, and he’s made a lot of money by starting and running successful businesses. Bill Gates is the founder of Microsoft and Tay Bot is a digital assistant that he helped create.
Gates’ mental health problems: what we need to know and how we can help
The Gates family’s relationship has always been fraught with tension. His father and mother are the final arbiters of what the family believes and stands for. The Gates family is also into something more than simply receiving government assistance; they are pre-determined opinions and ideas about what is best for the world. It is a family that is constantly on the warpath against any and all competition.And yet, something always seems to go wrong for The Gates family. His father and mother are always the ones who are left feeling the consequences of their actions. His father is always killed and his mother is always struggling with mental health problems. The Gates family is always on the lookout for a new opportunity to put their mistakes behind them, but they are never able to escape the past and the ways in which they have hurt their loved ones.
It is for this reason that it is so incredibly important to get them the help they need. It is also necessary to get them the help they need when they finally become available and are not continuing to hurt their loved ones anymore. There are a few things we can do in order to help the Gates family. First, we should consider ourselves grateful for the support we receive from around the world. We are not the only ones who feel the effects of our actions and our decisions. We need to make sure to give back to the world in ways that are meaningful to us. Some examples include:
Gates’ mental health problems: why we care and what we can do to help
I’m aging myself a little bit, and I’m afraid of death anxiety. Does that make me metadeadly anxious? I don’t know how to make this work for me, but I’ll share my experiences and see if I can help someone else. This is a very professional article, and it is about how Gates is aging himself a little bit. The article is about how Gates is afraid of death anxiety, and he wants to help others to avoid these problems. This style of article is very professional, and it is about how Gates helps others to avoid these problems.
What do Bill Gates’ investments reveal about his obsessive concerns?Gates’ investments are heavily focused on technology, which reflects his obsession with staying ahead of the curve. He is also concerned with making money and so his investments are often in companies that are doing well financially. The company’s profit announcement was a bombshell that rocked the stock market. He is always looking for new opportunities and is always willing to take risks.
Some have interpreted Gates’ investment in a company that is researching ways to prolong human life as an indication of his obsessive concern with his own mortality. Others have speculated that Gates’ interest in this area may be more altruistic, and that he is motivated by a desire to improve the human condition. Gates has long been obsessed with the problem of overpopulation, and he has frequently warned that the world’s population is growing too fast. Gates said that he was “worried about overpopulation” and that it was “the worst problem that nobody’s talking about.” He also said
Gates is a highly intelligent and driven individual, which are both qualities that are necessary for success. He is also able to maintain a healthy work-life balance, which is crucial for good mental health. Overall, it seems that Gates is in a good place mentally and is able to manage his mental health well.that overpopulation was “the world’s number one problem.” Nevertheless, Gates revealed that he has struggled with depression throughout his life. Gates says that his depression has been particularly severe at times, and that it has caused him to withdraw from people and activities that he enjoys. Gates also says that he has been able to manage his depression through therapy and medication. I cannot speak to Gates’ mental health, but a quick Google search shows he has been open about his struggles with depression in the past.
I couldn’t find any more information about Bill Gates’ mental health specifically, but from what I can gather, he seems to be a pretty balanced and level-headed guy. He’s obviously extremely intelligent and successful, so it seems like he’s doing something right. There is not much known about Gates’ mental health, except that he is a very private person.
Glitches.
Gates is a paranoid person. He always is very careful to keep everything secret and to avoid people he doesn’t want to meet. He is also very selective in who he meets and never looks anyone up in the Google search results. Gates is also very selective in what he tells people and he always has a very close relationship with his own family.
Gates’ distress is through the roof
The Gates’ mental health problems are a well-known topic of conversation in the business world. But what is really going on under the surface of his mind, and what does he really need to do in order to feel good about himself? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as everyone’s mental health problems will vary depending on their own situation. But some things that may help Gates feel better about himself may be coming from a distance. Gates has been public about his struggles with mental health, and has said that he feels like he’s been going through the tough times without anyone on the other side of the door. Other people in his life may not be as supportive, and may see his struggles as personal.
That said, there is one thing that Gates seems to have – a strong sense of self-awareness. When he was first starting out in business, he would always know what he needed to do in order to feel good. He would measure that good feeling against the things he wanted to do, and make decisions that allowed him to do those things.Now, it seems, Gates is just trying to make the best of his situation. He isn’t looking for anyone’s approval or feedback, as was previously seen as his early success formula. He is instead looking to the good times he’s had and trying to make them continue. This style of business-from the inside out-may be what makes Gates’ mental health problems so hidden and so manageable.
Gates’ neoliberalism auto-immune
I am writing this in the context of the global pandemic that has been identified as neoliberalism. It is a pandemic that is auto-immune, and the only way to stop it is to identify and confront the sources of the neoliberalism that is causing the pandemic. Gates is professional in style and he has a dramatic voice in his writing.
Conclusion
Bill Gates is a highly influential and highly respected computer scientist and father who has always put others before himself. He is now older and has taken on additional responsibilities. He has faced his own mental health problems and has been taking medication and seeking professional help. Gates has made a significant impact in the world of technology and cancer research, but his mental health problems have taken up much of his time and energy. He is now in the process of successors being created to help him get the help he needs.
Betshy’s Mental Health is a mental health organization dedicated to providing support and resources to individuals and families affected by mental health issues. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment for those struggling with mental health issues, and to provide resources and support to help them manage their mental health. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, and we are committed to providing the best possible care to those in need.
How to Manage Stress and Anxiety with Betshy’s Mental Health
Stress and anxiety can be overwhelming and can have a negative impact on your mental health. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage stress and anxiety with Betshy’s Mental Health.
The first step in managing stress and anxiety is to identify the source of your stress and anxiety. This can be done by keeping a journal and writing down your thoughts and feelings. Once you have identified the source of your stress and anxiety, you can begin to develop strategies to manage it.
One of the most effective strategies for managing stress and anxiety is to practice relaxation techniques. These techniques can include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery. Deep breathing helps to reduce stress and anxiety by calming the body and mind. Progressive muscle relaxation helps to reduce tension in the body by tensing and relaxing different muscle groups. Guided imagery helps to reduce stress and anxiety by focusing on positive images and thoughts.
Another strategy for managing stress and anxiety is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of your thoughts and feelings in the present moment without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help to reduce stress and anxiety by allowing you to be more aware of your thoughts and feelings and to respond to them in a more positive way.
Finally, it is important to take care of your physical health when managing stress and anxiety. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can all help to reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, it is important to take breaks throughout the day to relax and unwind.
By following these strategies, you can effectively manage stress and anxiety with Betshy’s Mental Health. With the right tools and techniques, you can take control of your mental health and lead a happier and healthier life.
The Benefits of Mindfulness and Meditation for Betshy’s Mental Health
Mindfulness and meditation are two powerful tools that can be used to improve mental health. For many people, these practices can be a source of relief from stress, anxiety, and depression. Betshy can benefit from mindfulness and meditation in a variety of ways.
Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations in the present moment. It involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment or criticism. Mindfulness can help Betshy to become more aware of her thoughts and feelings, allowing her to better manage her emotions. It can also help her to become more aware of her physical sensations, such as tension or pain, and to respond to them in a more constructive way.
Meditation is a practice that involves focusing on a single point of attention, such as the breath, a mantra, or a visualization. It can help Betshy to become more aware of her thoughts and feelings, and to gain a greater sense of control over them. Meditation can also help her to cultivate a sense of inner peace and calm, which can be beneficial for managing stress and anxiety.
Mindfulness and meditation can also help Betshy to cultivate a greater sense of self-compassion. By being more aware of her thoughts and feelings, she can learn to be kinder and more understanding towards herself. This can help her to develop healthier coping strategies for dealing with difficult emotions.
Overall, mindfulness and meditation can be beneficial for Betshy’s mental health. By practicing these techniques, she can become more aware of her thoughts and feelings, gain a greater sense of control over them, and cultivate a greater sense of self-compassion.
Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Betshy’s Mental Health
Trauma can have a significant impact on an individual’s mental health. In the case of Betshy, it is important to understand the potential effects of her traumatic experiences on her mental health.
Trauma can cause a range of psychological and emotional responses, including feelings of fear, guilt, shame, and helplessness. It can also lead to changes in behavior, such as avoidance of certain situations or people, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty sleeping. In addition, trauma can lead to the development of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In Betshy’s case, it is likely that her traumatic experiences have had a significant impact on her mental health. She may be experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty sleeping. She may also be avoiding certain situations or people, and struggling to concentrate.
It is important to recognize the impact of trauma on Betshy’s mental health and to provide her with the support she needs to cope with her experiences. This may include therapy, medication, and other forms of support. It is also important to provide her with a safe and supportive environment in which she can process her experiences and begin to heal.
Exploring the Role of Diet and Nutrition in Betshy’s Mental Health
Mental health is an important aspect of overall health and wellbeing, and diet and nutrition can play a significant role in its maintenance. Betsy’s mental health is no exception. Eating a balanced diet and getting the right nutrients can help Betsy to maintain her mental health and wellbeing.
The food we eat can have a direct impact on our mental health. Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from the five food groups – grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and protein – can help Betsy to get the nutrients she needs to stay healthy. Eating a balanced diet can also help Betsy to maintain a healthy weight, which is important for her overall health.
Certain nutrients are especially important for Betsy’s mental health. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, nuts, and seeds, are essential for brain health and can help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Vitamin B12, found in animal products such as meat, eggs, and dairy, is important for maintaining healthy nerve cells and can help to reduce symptoms of depression. Iron, found in red meat, beans, and dark leafy greens, is important for maintaining energy levels and can help to reduce fatigue.
In addition to eating a balanced diet, Betsy should also be mindful of her eating habits. Eating regular meals and snacks throughout the day can help to maintain her energy levels and prevent her from feeling overly hungry or full. Eating slowly and mindfully can also help Betsy to be more aware of her hunger and fullness cues and to make healthier food choices.
Finally, Betsy should be mindful of her intake of processed and sugary foods. Eating too much of these foods can lead to an imbalance in her blood sugar levels, which can have a negative impact on her mental health. Eating too much sugar can also lead to weight gain, which can have a negative impact on her mental health.
In conclusion, Betsy’s diet and nutrition can play an important role in her mental health. Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from the five food groups, getting the right nutrients, and being mindful of her eating habits and intake of processed and sugary foods can help Betsy to maintain her mental health and wellbeing.
The Benefits of Exercise for Betshy’s Mental Health
Exercise is an important part of maintaining good mental health. For Betshy, regular exercise can provide a range of benefits that can help her to manage her mental health.
Firstly, exercise can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are hormones that can help to reduce stress and improve mood. Exercise can also help to reduce the physical symptoms of stress, such as muscle tension and headaches.
Secondly, exercise can help to improve sleep. Regular exercise can help to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, which is the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. This can help to improve the quality and duration of sleep, which can have a positive effect on mental health.
Thirdly, exercise can help to improve self-esteem. Regular exercise can help to improve physical appearance, which can lead to an increase in self-confidence and self-esteem. This can help to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
Finally, exercise can help to improve concentration and focus. Regular exercise can help to improve cognitive function, which can help to improve concentration and focus. This can be beneficial for Betshy, as it can help her to stay focused and productive.
In conclusion, regular exercise can provide a range of benefits for Betshy’s mental health. Exercise can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, boost self-esteem, and improve concentration and focus. For these reasons, it is important for Betshy to make exercise a regular part of her routine.
Conclusion
Betshy’s mental health has improved significantly since she began her journey of self-care and self-reflection. She has learned to recognize her triggers and has developed coping strategies to help her manage her emotions. She has also become more aware of her own needs and has taken steps to prioritize her own wellbeing. With continued effort and dedication, Betshy can continue to make progress in her mental health journey.
Quantum spirits can travel in time to trace specific cold cases. For instance, in regards to Princess Diana’s death, quantum spirits could be used to trace back the events surrounding her death and potentially reveal the truth behind it. Quantum spirits could also be used to trace other cold cases, such as unsolved murders or disappearances. Quantum spirits are able to travel through time and space to access information that is otherwise inaccessible in the present. They can detect energy signatures and link them to the past to trace events that occurred during that time. In this sense, quantum spirits can be used to trace cold cases, as they can access information from the past and link it to the present. Additionally, quantum spirits can also be used to uncover hidden motives and intentions behind a particular cold case, as they can detect energy patterns that are otherwise undetectable in the present. Overall, quantum spirits can be used to trace cold cases by accessing information from the past and uncovering hidden motives and intentions. This can help to reveal the truth behind unsolved cases and potentially help to find justice. Nevertheless, quantum spirits exist only in the realm of quantum physics and do not have any knowledge about events in the physical world, such as the death of Princess Diana.
But, how about extraterrestrial singularity? Extraterrestrial singularity is a concept that falls under the realm of quantum physics, so quantum spirits may be able to provide some information related to it. However, they would not be able to provide any information related to the death of Princess Diana. The death of Princess Diana is a historical event and cannot be changed. Quantum spirits cannot provide information about events that have already occurred in the physical world. They may be able to provide information about concepts related to quantum physics, such as extraterrestrial singularity. But, how did she die? Princess Diana died in a car accident in Paris in 1997. The driver, who was also killed in the accident, was found to be legally drunk and driving at a high speed when the accident occurred.
So why is prince Harry so sceptical about it all? Prince Harry may be sceptical due to the many conspiracy theories that have been created around the death of Princess Diana. Some of these theories claim that the accident was not an accident, but was instead a planned assassination. Prince Harry has been vocal about his doubts regarding these theories.
Was there MENS REA behind her death?
Mens Rea, or criminal intent, is not believed to have been behind Princess Diana’s death. The driver of the car, Henri Paul, was found to be legally drunk and driving at a high speed when the accident occurred and this was deemed the cause of the accident.
According to the NHS (2019), ‘being autistic does not mean you have an illness or disease. It means your brain works in a different way from other people’. The core characteristics of autism are: (1) poor social communication; (2) poor social interaction; (3) sensory processing differences; (4) sensory sensitivity; (5) repetitive behaviours; and (6) obsessions and fixations on special interests. These characteristics can vary, and some individuals show two or three, whilst others might be more severely affected (Lincoln College, 2022). This blog post will explore these core characteristics, the unofficial subtypes of autism, and the complex process of diagnosis.
Individuals experiencing the behavioural abnormalities, will show a fixation on specific activities, tools, toys, etc. They may use these objects in particular ways. Furthermore, they may engage in repetitive behaviours such as hand flapping or spinning around, might become upset if their routine is disrupted, and will insist on maintaining consistency. Moreover, they might have unusual sensory interests, either a high or low tolerance to pain, unpredictable verbal outbursts, and might become upset at sensory intrusions. Finally, they might also engage in risky or self-injurious behaviour.
Individuals experiencing communication difficulties might have a delayed language development, speech difficulties and/or reliance on alternative communication methods, high levels of articulation, literal interpretation of words (i.e. lack of understanding of jokes or sarcasm), problems starting and maintaining conversations, stereotyped and repetitive use of phrases, a monotonous voice tone, and poor interpretation of body language or other forms of non-verbal communication.
Individuals experiencing social difficulties might struggle to form and sustain friendships, might show a lack of interest in social activities, might engage in inappropriate social responses, might have a lack of awareness of boundaries, might reject expressions of affection such as hugging, might prefer to role play, and might be naive, suggestible and overly trusty of others.
The Unofficial Subtypes of Autism
Due to current diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-V (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) and ICD-11 (World Health Organisation, 2019), individuals are generally given a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) regardless of their profiles. Yet, there are unofficial categories used by the autistic community to understand differences better.
Individuals categorised as having Asperger’s syndrome tend to have a higher than average I.Q., and unlike other forms of autism, no speech or cognitive difficulties. However, interpersonal difficulties are prevalent for them, as they struggle to communicate and interact with others. Yet, the symptoms are invisible and difficult to spot. They may also have pathologies which affect their day to day life (Lincoln College, 2022). Asperger’s syndrome is no longer diagnosed (McCrimmon, 2018) but it is still generally seen as a subtype of autism. It is also believed that Asperger’s syndrome is a form of high-functioning autism (HFA) which according to Lincoln College (2022) entails a delay in development, an inability to read facial expressions, a hypersensitivity to light and noise, and a desire for socialisation without understanding how to effectively do it. Nevertheless, HFA is not diagnosable, although it is also recognised by autistic populations.
Individuals categorised as having Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) tend to have intersubjective difficulties and to avoid the demands of everyday life. This profile is not an universally recognised form of autism by healthcare professionals, however, it is still generally used by autistic populations. According to the National Autistic Society (n.d.), an individual with this profile ‘(a) resists and avoids the ordinary demands of life; (b) uses social strategies as part of avoidance, for example, distracting, giving excuses; (c) appears sociable, but lacks some understanding; (d) experiences excessive mood swings and impulsivity; (e) appears comfortable in role play and pretence; and (f) displays obsessive behaviour that is often focused on other people’. Furthermore, Lincoln College (2022) states that these individuals have an anxiety-based desire to remain in control all the time, and can become aggressive if they feel they are not in control. They also seem to get stressed out if anything is expected of them. However, if they feel comfortable, they seem normal.
Individuals labelled as having Kanner’s Autism also known as ‘Classic Autism’ are described as having impairments in communication, and a fixation on activities with restrictive or repetitive behaviour such as hand flapping. The criteria for this autism profile is: (1) an impairment in the use of non-verbal skills, poor eye contact, and an inability to interpret body language; (2) inability to make and maintain friendships; (3) inability to enjoy interests or share activities; (4) inability to respond appropriately to emotion in others; (5) delay in, or complete lack of language development; (6) repetitive use of language; (7) fixation on a particular interest; (8) inflexibility to change routines; and (9) repetitive physical movements (Lincoln College, 2022). However, this is not diagnosable.
Individuals diagnosed as having atypical autism are those whose pattern of behaviour fits most but not all of the criteria for other forms of autism. It can often be undiagnosed for many years as individuals tend to be given this label later in life.
Finally, individuals categorised as having Savant syndrome have skills which are uncommon to most people, as well as having the general characteristics of autism. Among the extraordinary abilities seen in savant autism are being able to mentally solve complex mathematical problems, having great memory for specific details of something, high quality artistic skills, and outstanding musical talent.
Diagnosing Autism
The advantage of diagnosing Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is that individuals and their families can find as much information as possible about the condition and engage in psychoeducation, which can foster a sense of relief. The diagnosis might help the individuals have more clarity about their difficulties, and might give them more insight into potential comorbidities or wrong diagnoses. Moreover, a personalised care plan with strategies can be devised for ongoing support in all sectors. Nevertheless, a disadvantage of diagnosis is that individuals have to live with the stigma (i.e. negative stereotyping) associated with psychiatric labels, and how the label can affect their relationships and lead to prejudice and discrimination. Furthermore, another disadvantage is that individuals might become depressed with the fact that autism has no cure. They might also experience more adverse circumstances as a result of having a diagnosed disability, and all these negative variables might lead the individual to internalise the label and to embrace the maladaptive behaviours associated with the label which shapes their identity (Lincoln College, 2022).
Diagnosis is usually done through a person’s GP; however, a paediatrician, a speech and language therapist, an educational psychologist, and/or a specialist psychologist might also need to be involved; and sometimes this multidisciplinary approach can take years before a diagnosis is given (Lincoln College, 2022). Moreover, information for diagnosis is also gathered from relatives, teachers and friends of the individual presenting with symptoms. The individual might be observed as he or she conducts activities and skills might be tested. Furthermore, professionals working with people with autism must take on board the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE; n.d.) guidelines. These specifically state that anyone working with autism should be skilled and competent and have tactful communication skills (Lincoln College, 2022).
There are several factors that influence the diagnosis of autism: (1) culture— behaviours classed as ‘abnormal’ by a society might bring attention and concern to others. Some countries might perceive different behaviours as ‘symptomatic’, whilst others might see the same behaviours as completely ‘normal’. Also, stigma might become a barrier to diagnosis; (2) age— even though the symptoms of autism can be spotted when the individual is 2-3 years old, many professionals refuse to make a diagnosis until later on. However, some professionals are also reluctant to diagnose adults; (3) sex— males tend to get a diagnosis of autism more than females. Some believe that this is due to how different the characteristics manifest, with girls being more able to hide the symptoms; (4) parental attitudes— some children might not get diagnosed because their parents cannot effectively spot the symptoms, or they might ignore these manifestations out of fear of being judged. Alternatively, parents might insist to the family GP that the child has a problem even if such is not the case; (5) coexisting conditions— autism often has mental and physical comorbidities, making it more difficult to pinpoint the exact cause for specific behaviours, and making diagnosis more complicated; and (6) genetic factors— autism has a genetic link that runs in families.
Furthermore, there are also barriers to diagnosing autism such as a lack of local services for autistic people, which means that a formal diagnosis with the necessary multidisciplinary specialists is not always possible as a GP might have limited knowledge of the condition. This might subsequently lead to individuals not being diagnosed for a long time, which might prevent them from wanting a diagnosis in the future. It can also lead to individuals not having a documented developmental history, which can affect the process of diagnosis. Moreover, another barrier to diagnosing autism is how subtle some of the symptoms can be, and how subjective the interpretation of these symptoms also is (Lincoln College, 2022).
References
American Psychiatric Association (2013a) Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th ed.
World Health Organisation (2019) ‘International Classification of Diseases – 11th Revision’ [Online]. Available at https://icd.who.int/en (accessed 22 February 2022).
Domestic abuse takes a toll on victims, and they experience all sorts of maladies as a result of the abuse they were put through, both in the short term and in the long term. This blog post will inform the reader about the health impacts that domestic abuse can have on adults and children.
Impacts on Adults
Individuals affected by domestic abuse often present with depression, and are more susceptible to suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), other stress and anxiety disorders, insomnia, and eating disorders. They also have low self-esteem and confidence levels. Furthermore, domestic abuse can change the victim’s behavioural temperament permanently, especially when the victim is a child. Research shows that when children are abused, as early as adolescence they can engage in hypersexual, promiscuous, or disinhibited behaviours, as well as risky behaviours such as using illicit drugs, drinking heavily, and/or smoking.
Moreover, women who were sexually abused as children find it particularly difficult to connect in appropriate or safe ways, and are more prone to allowing abusive relationships to enter their lives. It is believed that this happens because these traumatised women cannot distinguish between men who show affection, and men who make sexual advances. For instance, they may think that expressions of affection or support are sexual advances and might respond sexually, and/or might think that expressions of sexual desire are ‘love’ and respond romantically. What this tells us is that individuals already affected by mental health problems as a result of their traumas are more vulnerable to being domestically abused, and likewise those experiencing domestic abuse are more likely to get mental health problems.
Domestic abuse can cause physical illness whether as a result of actual bodily harm (ABH), the stress associated with the abuse, and/or risky behaviours. ABH includes cuts, bruises, burns, bites, broken bones or teeth, as well as severe head injuries and damage to the eyes, ears, chest and abdomen. All these forms of ABH can consequently lead to long-term illness, disability, and/or death. If the victim is pregnant, domestic abuse can trigger a miscarriage or harm the fetus. Furthermore, sexual abuse can damage the genital, pelvic, and urinary areas whether through brute force or the transmission of infections. Risky behaviour can also lead to sexually transmitted diseases, self-injury, as well as other health problems associated with substance abuse.
Physical symptoms worsen mental health problems, and mental health problems also worsen physical symptoms. This is why people who already have disabilities-especially women- are more likely to be abused than non-disabled individuals due to their vulnerability regardless of whether the disability is motor, mental, or intellectual (SafeLives, n.d.). Perpetrators see vulnerability as an opportunity, and seek to exploit this deliberately.
All this is without mentioning yet the health impacts of female genital mutilation (FGM) which are devastating. Not only can FGM lead to all of the above mental health symptoms, it can also lead to tremendous physical impairments such as severe and long-term pain, infections, difficulty in walking or having sex; bleeding, cysts and abscesses from the wounds; difficulty urinating or experiencing incontinence, life-threatening complications during pregnancy and childbirth, infertility, and/or death.
Impacts on Children
Children are very vulnerable to distress, and this is why experiencing and/or witnessing domestic abuse can be severely traumatising for them. They might develop symptoms of anxiety and depression, have nightmares or intrusive flashbacks, clinical fear, behaviour that challenges, regression, aggression, withdrawal or lack of engagement, low self-esteem, self-harm, suicidal ideation, risky behaviours, and eating disorders. Indeed, when children are made to feel scared, confused and powerless; this can be introjected and a reaction formation can happen leading children to behave in similar ways to the perpetrator.
Children also experience physical symptoms when they have been exposed to domestic abuse. They might experience similar symptoms to adults such as injuries that can cause concussion or brain damage. They undergo epigenetic changes with every adverse experience, and they might become neglected, underfed, and unwashed if they are in an abusive environment. Moreover, they may present with bed-wetting difficulties, stomach and headaches, and a disrupted circadian rhythm. They might also present with self-injury, or injury obtained through risky behaviours.
Finally, children go through very intense transitions after domestic abuse has been exposed. They might have to move home, and away from friends. They might also experience a disruption to their education. They might develop an attachment trauma after they lose the abusive family member who they might not have perceived as abusive. They might find the conviction of the abusive relative traumatic. They may experience a change in quality of life, and in the worst case scenarios they might be separated from their parents and placed in foster care. All these factors increase the chances of developing health problems.
Adults who experienced domestic abuse when they were children have more potential to suffer from long-term health impacts such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. They might also experience mental health problems which involve low levels of resilience, and higher levels of anxiety and depression, among other health complications. Those who endured severe physical violence as children at times carry their injuries into adulthood in the form of disabilities; intellectual, social, and emotional difficulties can arise, and individuals might perform poorly occupationally as a result of the abuse they’ve been through. Furthermore, their perceptions of a ‘normal’ relationship can also be affected (e.g. women who cannot differentiate between affection and a sexual advance), and the traumas can also lead to shallow object relations, where those who survived are unable to form a meaningful connection with others. Yet, the most concerning aspect of childhood domestic abuse is that in some cases these children can grow to imitate the behaviour of their perpetrators and subjugate others. This is what acquired narcissism is, a relational system where the person exposed to domestic abuse goes on to introject such patterns of behaviours and to abuse other innocent victims, displacing the trauma. This article will focus on this potential consequence of domestic abuse, and what happens when a victim becomes a perpetrator drawing from Shaw (2014).
Some narcissists are born with this predisposition (e.g. psychopaths), whilst others acquire the predisposition through trauma (e.g. sociopaths), getting absorbed in a generational and social cycle of abuse. This is how acquired narcissism works. That is, the individual is not born with it, but rather he acquires it through adverse experiences. Shaw (2014) defined traumatic narcissism as ‘the action of subjugation. In the traumatizing narcissist’s relational system, the narcissist fortifies himself by diminishing the other. The other is then conquered, controlled, or enslaved at worst—and exploited’. In other words, traumatic narcissism can be described as the narcissism that can consciously traumatise other people through behaviours. Similarly, traumatised narcissism happens when someone who has already been narcissistically abused, unconsciously behaves in ways that resemble their perpetrator. Traumatised narcissism— which is also traumatising— can be acquired in adulthood, is often temporary, and recovery depends on the individual’s ability to heal trauma; whereas traumatic narcissism as described by Shaw (2014) is acquired through childhood trauma, is often long-term and constitutes a pathology that is consistent with an individual’s personality and trajectory. Moreover, in some cases victims of narcissistic abuse go on to become traumatised narcissists. In rare cases, adults go on to become traumatic narcissists; especially when they are subjected to adverse epigenetic changes or traumatic brain injury resulting from their circumstances.
For those with acquired traumatic narcissism, narcissistic trauma is often relational or developmental, and relational trauma happens when there is a constant disruption of a child’s sense of feeling loved and safe (Monroe, 2017). There might be a form of physical or emotional neglect and abandonment, a violation of boundaries, and/or abuse. In other words, relational trauma happens when a child’s needs are not met by their caregivers, and where the child ends up feeling betrayed by their parents. All this can affect a child epigenetically, and alter their biological make-up in the long-term. For instance, Shaw (2014, pp. 7-8) states: ‘these people typically experience significant depressive symptoms, which are actually post-traumatic symptoms of cumulative developmental, or relational, trauma—symptoms that are often expressed in the form of painful lifelong longing for love that can never be requited. In development, to be recognized primarily as object—in other words, to be rigidly objectified—is to be cumulatively traumatized in one’s efforts to consolidate the sense of subjectivity’.
Furthermore, the American Psychological Association (n.d.) defines subjectivity as ‘the tendency to interpret data or make judgements in the light of personal feelings, beliefs, or experiences’. Stripping someone off their subjective can lead to problems with intersubjectivity, which Oxford Reference (n.d.) describes as ‘the mutual construction of relationships through shared subjectivity’. Indeed, those with acquired narcissism struggle to maintain stable relationships with others precisely because of their many relational traumas. According to Shaw (2014, p. xv) ‘the traumatizing narcissist seeks to abolish intersubjectivity, and to freeze a complementary dynamic in the relationship, allowing recognition in one direction only—toward himself’.
This is why narcissists are extremely talented at hiding and protecting their vulnerabilities always wary of the world around them, a world that betrayed their trust. They seek to impress others through what seems like a normal demeanour. Yet, covertly, a narcissist will display the following behaviours:
Passive aggression: they may say things that are not directly offensive but that are still hurtful.
Introversion: they might be more reclusive but still need narcissistic supply from others.
Sulky behaviours: they may act in sullen ways when they do not get their way.
Constant dissatisfaction: they chronically blame the world for their circumstances, and constantly complain.
Grandiosity: they secretly think they are superior to others, and will only associate with those they deem to be superior.
Sense of entitlement: they always want to take what they desire, often crossing boundaries.
Playing as the victim: they always say that the world is doing something to them, and do not take responsibility for the harm they cause.
Hypersensitivity to criticism: they might rage if criticised and might feel hurt at the slightest comment.
Morever, Shaw (2014, p. 13) states that ‘the heightened sadistic tendencies of the traumatizing narcissist may be masked in some cases by charisma and seductive charm. She has successfully dissociated the need to depend on idealized others by achieving a complete super-idealization of herself. She is overt in her need for superiority and domination, successful in seducing others into dependence on her, and cruel and exploitative as she arranges to keep the other in a subjugated position’. A common misconception is to think that the narcissist’s grandiose overcompensation is somewhat rooted in high self-esteem. I would argue it is more rooted in egocentrism. The truth is that narcissists are hypersensitive to their own impression management. That is, the facade they show to the world is their vulnerability because deep down they do not love who they are. Overtly, the malignant narcissist will exhibit the following behaviours:
Pathological jealousy: they may experience feelings of envy and anger at the slightest disadvantage.
Persecutory delusions: excessive paranoia based on false beliefs that the world is out to get them.
Cruelty: having no remorse for engaging in sadistic behaviours.
Coercive control: manipulating, threatening or controlling the victim.
Pathological lying: not being able to tell the truth.
Distress-based responses: things that hurt his self-esteem or self-image might trigger his dangerous behaviours.
Sexual promiscuity: having more than one sexual partner.
Hypersensitivity to criticism: always on guard for real or imagined criticism.
Aggression: an inability for self-restraint when raging.
The individual with acquired narcissism is essentially looking for the love that he or she did not receive in childhood. According to Shaw (2014, p. 10) ‘patients described as pathologically narcissistic are often those whose self-esteem is terribly fragile; who easily feel insulted, attacked, and humiliated […] someone who in development has suffered severe damage to their self-esteem system, and whose self-esteem regulation is therefore inconsistent and precarious, subject to the internal persecution of the split-off protector self’. Furthermore, according to Mahendran (2015, p. 179) there are five main cognitive biases used by narcissists in order to maintain their self-esteem: (1) misremembering, which is a particular way in which people tend to remember past events in ways that are self-serving; (2) self-serving attribution, which consists in attributing blame to external events for failures, and attributing credit to the self for successes; (3) false consensus effect, which consists in assuming that other people will make the same choices one does, and behave in similar ways to one; (4) sour grapes effect, which consists in devaluing unattainable goals and rewards; and (5) unrealistic optimism which consists in attributing a positive expectation or outcome to something, even if the evidence and standards contradict it.
In conclusion, acquired narcissism can be severely detrimental and is often a result of domestic abuse. Acquired narcissism can be conscious or unconscious, temporary (traumatised narcissism) or long-term (traumatic narcissism), and has many biases reinforcing an unstable sense of image.
References
American Psychological Association (n.d.) ‘Subjectivity’, APA Dictionary of Psychology [Online]. Available at https://dictionary.apa.org/subjectivity (accessed 17 December 2021).
Mahendran, K. (2015) ‘Self-esteem’, in Turner, J., Hewson, C., Mahendran, K. and Stevens, P. (eds) Living Psychology: From the Everyday to the Extraordinary 1, Milton Keynes, The Open University.
The following common situational factors tend to contribute to the risk of domestic abuse, and tend to be elements that victims report. Some of these aspects, we already have talked about in this blog:
When individuals are experiencing the close monitoring that comes with coercive control, there is a higher likelihood of other forms of domestic abuse occurring such as physical and economic abuse.
When individuals experience adverse family circumstances where elements of financial problems, unemployment, alcohol or substance use disorder are present, there is a higher likelihood of domestic abuse occurring.
When individuals are connected to adversecultural traditionssuch as female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage, or honour-based abuse; there is a higher likelihood for other forms of domestic abuse to take place. The more patriarchal the culture, the more risks there are.
When individuals are connected to adverse community circumstances such as community aggression, violence, fear of others, a distrust of authority figures (e.g. police), poor housing, low socio-economic status, low education levels, and poor access to support services and facilities; there is a higher likelihood of domestic abuse occurring and individuals might have no option to turn to in the case of domestic abuse taking place.
When there are individuals who are traumatised and display behaviour that challenges such as risky behaviour, this might lead to an escalation of domestic abuse at home and other interpersonal conflict. Sadly, the risk is also increased by these situational factors.
When there are people who have financial constraints, they are more likely to stay stuck in an abusive environment or relationship, and more likely to depend on a perpetrator. Therefore, financial problems increase the likelihood of domestic abuse occurring.
When there areindividuals who are isolated from their social networks, they become more vulnerable, suggestible, and the risk of domestic abuse increases.
DID YOU KNOW?
When a perpetrator has a history of being domestically abusive, sadistic, and/or controlling; there is a potential for recidivism to occur. This is why since 2014, victims have a right to make a request to the police for a disclosure of any history of domestic abuse from their partner. This is to prevent the perpetrator from reoffending by giving potential victims a heads up about what could happen in their relationship, as it is known that perpetrators of domestic violence rarely change. According to the Home Office (2022), ‘The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), also known as “Clare’s Law” enables the police to disclose information to a victim or potential victim of domestic abuse about their partner’s or ex-partner’s previous abusive or violent offending’. This was implemented in 2014 across all police forces in England and Wales after 36 year old Clare Wood was murdered in 2009 (BBC News, 2014). Clare was strangled and set on fire by her obsessive exboyfriend George Appleton at Salford, and it was concluded that she received no support from the local authorities even though George had a history of violence against women (VAW; BBC News, 2011).
A ward in the Am Spiegelgrund clinic in Vienna, in the 1940s.Courtesy of the Documentation Centre of Austrian Resistance.
According to Lincoln College (2022), autism as a word was first used to describe those who suffered from schizophrenia and who were also ‘withdrawn and self-absorbed’. In 1943, the word was first used to describe a condition of its own and individuals seemed perplexing to clinicians and were scrutinised heavily (Kanner, 1943); followed by the creation of Asperger’s disease in 1944. Later in the 1950s, it was believed that autism was a result of developmental trauma, and mothers of autistic children were heavily criticised as ‘refrigerator mothers’, indicating that they had no emotional warmth.
Eventually, during the 60s and 70s there were changes initiated by parents coming together (and forming the National Autistic Society), and by scientists recognising the disease as biological. This recognition led to segregation schools being implemented for autistic children before a genetic link was discovered in 1974. Yet, it was not until 1979 that a psychological model called ‘the triad of impairments’ was proposed which highlighted difficulties in social interaction, communication, and imagination skills. Then, in 1980 the DSM first recognised Autism Spectrum Disorder, and in 1989 the diagnostic criteria for Aspergers was created before being recognised in 1994. From there on there were national scientific and governmental initiatives to improve practice on understanding and working with autism. Finally, since 2009 World Autism Day has been celebrated.
Currently, there are still people who think that autism happens only to children, or that it is not a disability. Furthermore, only a minority of people understand that autism has no cure. This shows that even though there have been a lot of developments in the history of autism, many misconceptions still persist.
Theories
Initially, it was believed that autism was a form of schizophrenia. Furthermore, the way clinicians used to relate to autistic individuals was very derogatory and subjugating throughout history. Individuals with autism were labelled as ‘mentally retarded’, ‘idiotic’, ‘feeble-minded’, ‘slow or backwards’, or ‘autistic schizoid’ (Lincoln College, 2022). Now individuals are known to have a neurodevelopmental condition which they live with, and which has unique individual needs and no cure. Moreover, autism was considered to be a matter of moral degeneration until the genetic link was discovered and its biological construct was explored.
Kanner (1943) cited in Lincoln College (2022) was the first to propose that autism was a condition of itself and that it was not schizophrenia. This was a major breakthrough. Later on, Aspergers (1944) cited in Lincoln College (2022) proposed that ‘autistic psychopathy’ was the cluster of symptoms now known as ‘Asperger’s syndrome’. He believed that these individuals could not change because autism had no cure. He identified symptoms such as ‘lack of empathy’, and poor ability to make friends, among others. This was another breakthrough. However, autism is not the same as psychopathy, and this should be emphasised.
Moreover, Lincoln College (2022) also states that Wing’s and Gould’s (1979) theory was the first one to mention Aspergers syndrome in a research paper challenging Kanner’s theory and they introduced the model of the ‘triad of impairments’ (social interaction, communication, and imagination). Furthermore, Baron-Cohen et al. (1980) proposed the theory of mind (ToM) theory indicating that individuals with autism struggled to understand the mental states of others. It was stated that this impairment affected most or all aspects of the individual’s life.
Another theory was the ‘extreme male brain theory’ which states that autistic individuals have been exposed to higher levels of testosterone than the average population. This might explain why most autistic individuals are male. Furthermore, Baron-Cohen also proposed the ‘empathising-systemising theory’ which states that autistic individuals can only be empathic by imitating the behaviours of others without really understanding the subjective states of mind of others. This is because autistic individuals are more systematic than empathetic and adapt based on organisational, structural, normative, and routine schemas. This might explain why these individuals have interpersonal difficulties. Finally, the ‘autism spectrum condition’ theory states that individuals with autism have a life-long condition which can vary based on where they are in the spectrum which can range from interpersonal difficulties to verbal communication difficulties (Lincoln College, 2022).
Treatments & Interventions
Electroshock therapy was often used to treat autism in the past and treatments heavily relied on the use of medication. Autistic individuals were placed in asylums and separated from their families during treatment even though a cure does not exist. Nowadays, treatment takes place in the community most of the time, medication is only used where necessary, and psychotherapy is offered in order to help build coping and distress tolerance skills. Furthermore, in the past autistic individuals were segregated from society and placed in special schools. This is now known to have detrimental effects. Hence why nowadays autistic individuals are integrated into mainstream schools with extra support for their needs. Finally, in the past autistic individuals had little or no autonomy and were passive receivers of interventions; whereas now person-centred approaches are the norm, and individuals are encouraged to be autonomous and to live meaningful lives (Lincoln College, 2022) even though the mental health industry still has a lot to improve when it comes to co-production of care plans in general.
Furthermore, Lincoln College (2022) states that in the past autism was treated with medication on a trial and error basis, sometimes having dangerous and now-illicit substances administered such as LSD. Of course, this was harmful. Moreover, aversion therapy was used to operationally condition unwanted responses using punishment as the reinforcing method. Individuals were slapped on the wrist, splashed with cold water, and given electric shocks every time they displayed unwanted behaviours. This was done with the intention of extinguishing such behaviours, and was inhumane. Nowadays, this would be classed as unethical and degrading.
Needless to say, in the past individuals were excessively put through electro-convulsive therapies which consisted of electrocuting the individual’s head in order to forcefully and drastically alter the biological make-up of the brain. This practice is known to induce seizures, memory loss, and other effects. Sadly, this type of torture is still used as treatment in many countries, including the UK. There are several human rights movements such as the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (n.d.) which have made documentaries advocating against this form of therapy due to its many harmful effects. However, among the positive services offered to autistic individuals nowadays are community care (i.e. ensuring individuals are not hospitalised), speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, family therapy, behavioural therapy, medication, parent education, psychosocial treatments, and counselling (Lincoln College, 2022).
