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Autistic people have significantly lower life expectancies than the rest of the population. In 2022, the average global life expectancy is approximately 72 years old. For autistic people, though, the average life expectancy ranges from 39.5 years to 58 years.1 Some of the psychological stressors that autistic people experience are a result of existing in a … Read more
Autism is a neurodivergence that manifests as difficulty interpreting neurotypical social cues and rules, strong adherence to routines and rituals, and sensory sensitivity, and it occurs as a result of neurodevelopmental differences. An autistic person might cope with difficulties associated with their neurodivergence, but they do not “grow out” of being autistic. This article covers why autism may be … Read more
Mild autism is an unofficial term that may refer to the diagnosis of level 1 autism. Mild autism may also informally be referred to as “high-functioning autism,” although this term is considered inaccurate and inappropriate as it does not accurately reflect the challenges that autistic people deal with in their daily lives. The Diagnostic and Statistical … Read more
A highly sensitive person (HSP) is a neurodivergent individual who is thought to have an increased or deeper central nervous system sensitivity to physical, emotional, or social stimuli.1 Some refer to this as having sensory processing sensitivity, or SPS for short. We’re all sensitive about certain things—that is human nature—but an HSP is understood to be … Read more
Sensory overload occurs when one or more of the five senses becomes overstimulated. For instance, your sense of hearing may become overloaded when music is too loud, or vision impaired if lights are too bright. In some cases, more than one sense can become overwhelmed at the same time. Learn more about what causes sensory overload, its … Read more
Overstimulation is what happens when there’s too much sensory input for your brain to handle. It can make you feel overwhelmed, irritable, and uncomfortable. Because the ADHD brain isn’t as equipped to filter out sensory input, you’re more likely to have a lower threshold for the amount of stimuli you can tolerate before becoming overstimulated. What Does Overstimulation … Read more
Scratchy fabrics, loud noises, the sights and smells of pungent foods … Most of us can just let these sensory experiences pass us by, but people with sensory processing disorder seem to have a stronger reaction—and sometimes an underreaction—to certain sensory stimuli.1 We get it: sensory processing disorder can be a lot! Experiencing challenges with sensory processing … Read more
If you’ve ever been in a highly stressful situation, you’ve likely experienced the fight-or-flight response. Your pulse races, your breathing speeds up, your pupils dilate—all in response to a perceived danger. These symptoms serve an important purpose in some situations, but they can feel disruptive and uncomfortable in others. Someone with a mental health condition, … Read more
What is the most important information I should know about panic attack medications? If you are taking panic attack medications: do not suddenly stop taking your medicine or reduce your dose without talking to your doctor; some medications can cause serious or dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Medication is one of the most popular and effective treatment … Read more
Panic attacks can be extremely difficult to deal with. They typically come on suddenly, bringing on escalating feelings of dread and anxiety. Many people with panic attacks may also have bothersome physical symptoms, such as shaking, rapid heart rate, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain. Although not life-threatening, panic attacks can be frightening, disorienting, and mentally and physically … Read more