Mod 2 Client Copy

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Module 2

The Logic of OCD

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

The Logic of OCD

Module 2

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Recap

Compulsion

Anxiety

Consequence

Doubt

The Logic of OCD

Trigger

Theory & Inferential Confusion

Recap

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Typically asks more questions

Thinks logically to understand the situation.

Gather as much information as possible before drawing a conclusion.

Looking at all the little parts that make up the whole.

The need to relate the information they are receiving to prior learning (reasoning).

Knowledge-driven, uses prior knowledge and expectations to interpret sensory information.

Interpret based on prior knowledge, experiences, and expectations.

Uses prior knowledge, expectations, and experiences to interpret and make sense of incoming sensory information.

Bottom Up

Typically asks more questions

Thinks logically to understand the situation.

Gather as much information as possible before drawing a conclusion.

Looking at all the little parts that make up the whole.

The need to relate the information they are receiving to prior learning (reasoning).

Interpret based on prior knowledge, experiences, and expectations.

Knowledge-driven, uses prior knowledge and expectations to interpret sensory information.

Uses prior knowledge, expectations, and experiences to interpret and make sense of incoming sensory information.

Bottom Up

It involves using fine details to logically construct a comprehensive understanding or solution

Uses these perceptions to build a bigger picture

Top-down thinking is inductive, meaning it starts with specific data and details and builds up to a broader understanding or conclusion

Data-driven, starts with sensory input, builds up to perception.

• Perception directes cognition
• Doesnt rely on prior expectations or experiences

Top Down

Data-driven, starts with sensory input, builds up to perception.

It involves using fine details to logically construct a comprehensive understanding or solution

Uses these perceptions to build a bigger picture

Top-down thinking is inductive, meaning it starts with specific data and details and builds up to a broader understanding or conclusion

• Perception directes cognition
• Doesnt rely on prior expectations or experiences

Top Down

Where we aim to shift your thinking to

OCD lives here

Perception directes cognition

Perception is constructed by cognition

Bottom Up Processing

• Can be influenced by context, beliefs, and predictions.

Top Down Processing

Where we aim to shift your thinking to

OCD lives here

Perception directes cognition

Perception is constructed by cognition

Bottom Up Processing

• Can be influenced by context, beliefs, and predictions.

Top Down Processing

Top Down Processing

Bottom Up

Top Down Processing

Top Down

Seeing that the door is unlocked and wondering if somebody could have broken in.

The belief that forgetting to lock the door will lead to a burglary compels checking.

Top Down Processing

Bottom Up Processing

Seeing that the door is unlocked and wondering if somebody could have broken in.

The belief that forgetting to lock the door will lead to a burglary compels checking.

Top Down Processing

Bottom Up Processing

In 2020

Seeing that your hands are dirty and wondering if you should wash them to avoid illness.

The thought that germs will cause illness, leading to frequent hand washing.

Top Down Processing

Bottom Up Processing

In 2020

Seeing that your hands are dirty and wondering if you should wash them to avoid illness.

The thought that germs will cause illness, leading to frequent hand washing.

Top Down Processing

Bottom Up Processing

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Reasonings

Reasoning is how we make sense of the world, how we arrive at inferences or conclusions about it.

-O’Connor & Aardema

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Reasonings

Reasoning is how we make sense of the world, how we arrive at inferences or conclusions about it.

-O’Connor & Aardema

Harm

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

False memory

Meta

Sensorimotor

Health

Just Right

Pedophilia

Relationship

Responsibility

Scrupulosity

Contamination

Why do some people’s doubts/images get stuck while others can let them go?

What makes OCD happen?

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Facts

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Facts

Rules

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Hearsay

Facts

Rules

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Hearsay

Personal Experience

Facts

Rules

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Possibility

Hearsay

Personal Experience

Facts

Rules

Autistic people also tend to interpret things more literally.

• Food allergies exist
• People get fired
• Pesticides are in most of our agriculture
• People cheat
• Embarrassing things happen
• People lie
• People get offended
• People get rejected
• People talk behind each others backs

The logic of OCD

Neurodivergent Edition

Fuente

For autistic people, values and factual information are deeply integrated into their identity. Their commitment to truth and accuracy is not just a preference but a core aspect of how they perceive themselves and interact with the world and others.

Core to identity

The logic of OCD

Neurodivergent Edition

• Social distance by 6 feet
• Respect cultural norms
• Use designated spaces for specific items
• Apologize when social norms are breached
• Stick to routines in daily activities

• Don't interrupt others
• Maintain eye contact
• Adhere to safety rules
• Suppress natural body movements to avoid unwanted attention
• Follow table manners
• Don't litter
• Ensure hands are washed properly and frequently

Since neurodivergent people have the ability to see past social hierarchies, it's not uncommon that they are scrutinized for this ability by neurotypical people. This teaches the person they need to mask or hide their autistic traits. They look to certain rules on how to conform to a neurotypical society and can take those rules very literally.

Neurodivergent Rules:

Fuente

Why are pumpkins considered fruits, not vegetables?

Existentialism and 2e

Perfectionism: The drive for perfection, which is common among gifted individuals, can contribute to compulsive behaviors and obsessive thought patterns as they strive to meet unrealistically high standards Misdiagnosis Risks: Due to the complexity and overlapping symptoms of high intellect and psychological conditions, there's a significant risk of either misdiagnosis or overlooking OCD symptoms as merely traits of giftedness.

What fruit starts with A?

Example

Anxiety: Anxiety is commonly higher in autistic individuals, which can heighten the perceived impact or likelihood of negative possibilities. This might lead to a more cautious or risk-averse approach in scenarios where neurotypical individuals might assess the likelihood as low Intellectual Overexcitabilities: Gifted individuals often exhibit a heightened level of mental activity that can manifest as a tendency towards overthinking and rumination, characteristics commonly observed in OCD.

Someone who is intellectually or creatively gifted, but is also autistic. This combination presents unique challenges and strengths. These individuals may excel in areas related to their gifts while simultaneously struggling with social interactions, sensory processing, or other typical aspects of autism.

Twice Exceptional (2e)

The logic of OCD

Neurodivergent Edition

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Constantly doubting relationships due to past betrayals.

Personal Experience

When you rely on your past experiences and observations as evidence to support your obsessional doubt.

Refusing to drive after experiencing a minor car accident.Washing hands excessively due to a past illness caused by germs.Checking the stove repeatedly due to once leaving it on accidentally.

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Plane Crash Really Takes a Nose Dive

A man's house catches on fire after being hit by a meteor

Be sure to stock up on supplies so that nobody else has any supplies

Nuclear Winter Forecast

Pedestrian Gets a Sudden Stop

Man Struck by Lightning Faces Battery Charge

For Example: I heard about somebody getting sick after using the bathroom I I saw on the news they were talking about an increase in ticks and people getting sick

Hearsay

Any type of story you have heard

• Friend of a friend
• A news story
• A documentary
• A story on socal media

• Not participating in debates after being publicly corrected.

• Staying away from social events after feeling embarrassed at a party.

• Not applying for jobs in a preferred field after several unsuccessful interviews.

• Avoiding social media after receiving negative comments on a post.

• Wearing uncomfortable clothes to keep up with latest fashion only to worry about the never ending sensory discomfort

• Doubting your love for your partner because you find eye contact difficult

• Fearing you could be a sociopath because you mimic and mirror others body language

• Questioning if you have a secret hidden agenda due to rehearsing conversation in advanced

Masking

• Doubting if your partner will leave you because you've been rejected in the past.

Rejection Sensititivty

Examples

The logic of OCD

Neurodivergent Edition

The logic of OCD

Neurodivergent Edition

Mirror-touch Synesthesia

Sensory Processing

Neurological Differences

Mirror Neurons

Hyper-Empathy

Fuente

For those with hyper-empathy, finding ways to manage and protect their emotional energy is crucial. Strategies might include setting clear emotional boundaries, practicing self-care, and developing techniques to differentiate one's own emotions from those of others. Seeking support through therapy or support groups can also provide strategies for managing the challenges of hyper-empathy while leveraging its strengths in nurturing deep connections and compassion.

Managing Hyper-empathy

Fuente

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

It's possible I could crash my carIt's possible that I could forget somethingIt's possible I could embarrass myselfIt's possible my house could get broken into, no matter what safety precautions are put in place

Anything is possible.... especially within the within your imagination.

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

Fuente

Can I trust my own mind? What if my memories are false? What if my consciousness is an illusion? Do my actions have consequences? What if I’m living in a dream? Can I ever be sure of anything? Can I ever escape my own mind? Is there a reason for my existence? Is there an afterlife? What if death is just the end? What if my existence is pointless?

What is the purpose of life? Does life have any meaning? Am I living my life the right way? What if I never find my true purpose? Is there a point to all my actions? What if everything is just a simulation? Can I ever be certain of my own existence? What if my thoughts are not my own? Is free will an illusion?

Existential OCD Examples

Fuente

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Possibility

Personal Experience

Hearsay

Rules

Facts

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

What if I hit a padestrian?

Possibility

Personal Experience

Hearsay

Rules

Facts

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Pedestrians get hit

What if I hit a padestrian?

Possibility

Personal Experience

Hearsay

Rules

Facts

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Were supposed to look out for pedestrians &It's against the law to not stop if you hit somebody

Facts

Pedestrians get hit

What if I hit a padestrian?

Possibility

Personal Experience

Hearsay

Rules

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

I heard on the news about a boy getting hit by a school bus in the neighborhood over & had a friend who got hit by a car while riding her bike

Rules

Were supposed to look out for pedestrians &It's against the law to not stop if you hit somebody

Facts

Pedestrians get hit

What if I hit a padestrian?

Possibility

Personal Experience

Hearsay

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

I've almost gotten hit by a car

Hearsay

I heard on the news about a boy getting hit by a school bus in the neighborhood over & had a friend who got hit by a car while riding her bike

Rules

Were supposed to look out for pedestrians &It's against the law to not stop if you hit somebody

Facts

Pedestrians get hit

What if I hit a padestrian?

Possibility

Personal Experience

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Personal Experience

I've almost gotten hit by a car

Hearsay

I heard on the news about a boy getting hit by a school bus in the neighborhood over & had a friend who got hit by a car while riding her bike

Rules

Were supposed to look out for pedestrians &It's against the law to not stop if you hit somebody

Facts

Pedestrians get hit

What if I hit a padestrian?

Possibility

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

It's possible I could hit somebody

Personal Experience

I've almost gotten hit by a car

Hearsay

I heard on the news about a boy getting hit by a school bus in the neighborhood over & had a friend who got hit by a car while riding her bike

Rules

Were supposed to look out for pedestrians &It's against the law to not stop if you hit somebody

Facts

Pedestrians get hit

What if I hit a padestrian?

Possibility

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Rules

Were supposed to look out for pedestrians &It's against the law to not stop if you hit somebody

Possibility

It's possible I could hit somebody

Personal Experience

I've almost gotten hit by a car

Hearsay

I heard on the news about a boy getting hit by a school bus in the neighborhood over & had a friend who got hit by a car while riding her bike

Facts

Pedestrians get hit

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

What if I have an adverse reactions to this medication?

Possibility

Personal Experience

Hearsay

Rules

Facts

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Facts

Adverse reactions happen

What if I have an adverse reactions to this medication?

Possibility

Personal Experience

Hearsay

Rules

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

What if I have an adverse reactions to this medication?

Adverse reactions happen

According to the doctors and pharmacist, we are supposed to watch for side effects and reactions

Facts

Possibility

Personal Experience

Hearsay

Rules

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

According to the doctors and pharmacist, we are supposed to watch for side effects and reactions

What if I have an adverse reactions to this medication?

Adverse reactions happen

I have a friend who took a medication that resulted in Serotonin Syndrome

Rules

Facts

Possibility

Personal Experience

Hearsay

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

According to the doctors and pharmacist, we are supposed to watch for side effects and reactions

What if I have an adverse reactions to this medication?

Adverse reactions happen

I have a friend who took a medication that resulted in Serotonin Syndrome

I’ve had an adverse reaction to a medication in the past

Hearsay

Rules

Facts

Possibility

Personal Experience

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

According to the doctors and pharmacist, we are supposed to watch for side effects and reactions

What if I have an adverse reactions to this medication?

It’s possible to have an adverse reaction

Adverse reactions happen

I have a friend who took a medication that resulted in Serotonin Syndrome

I’ve had an adverse reaction to a medication in the past

Possibility

Personal Experience

Hearsay

Rules

Facts

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

I have a friend who took a medication that resulted in Serotonin Syndrome

Hearsay

I’ve had an adverse reaction to a medication in the past

Personal Experience

According to the doctors and pharmacist, we are supposed to watch for side effects and reactions

What if I have an adverse reactions to this medication?

It’s possible to have an adverse reaction

Adverse reactions happen

Possibility

Rules

Facts

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

What are the:

Possibility

Personal Experience

Hearsay

Rules

Facts

What if I offend somebody?

What if I harm a child?

What if I make a mistake?

What if I get sick?

What if my partner cheats on me?

Adapted by Brittany Goff from: O'Connor, K., & Aardema, F. (2012). Clinician's handbook for obsessive compulsive disorder: Inference-based therapy. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Next up, the OCD Story

You must be able to connect your logic with your Obsessional Doubt

Before moving on..

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

• Social Norms
• Rules
• Expectations
• Laws
• Cultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

• Social Norms
• Rules
• Expectations
• Laws
• Cultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

• Constantly doubting relationships based on a past betrayal.
• Avoiding cats due to being scratched by one years ago.
• Never using public transportation again after getting lost.

Personal Experience

Consectetur adipiscing elit

An individual's reliance on their own past events and observations as evidence to support obsessional doubt

• Refusing to drive after experiencing a minor car accident

• Washing hands excessively due to a past illness caused by germs.

• Checking the stove repeatedly due to once leaving it on accidentally.
• Avoiding gardening after encountering a snake

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

How did they get the ice cream that color? How is it not melting out of the cone? How did they design the cone to that it doesn't drip out? What could be the origins of this cone? What type of materials is the cone made out of?

Today were going to learn about ice cream flavors

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

Social NormsRules ExpectationsLawsCultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

• Social Norms
• Rules
• Expectations
• Laws
• Cultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

• Constantly doubting relationships based on a past betrayal.
• Avoiding cats due to being scratched by one years ago.
• Never using public transportation again after getting lost.

Personal Experience

Consectetur adipiscing elit

An individual's reliance on their own past events and observations as evidence to support obsessional doubt

• Refusing to drive after experiencing a minor car accident

• Washing hands excessively due to a past illness caused by germs.

• Checking the stove repeatedly due to once leaving it on accidentally.
• Avoiding gardening after encountering a snake

Neurological Differences

Autistic individuals may have differences in neural functioning that can lead to heightened sensitivity to sensory and emotional stimuli. This heightened sensitivity can result in intense empathic responses to the emotions and pain of others

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

• Social Norms
• Rules
• Expectations
• Laws
• Cultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

• Constantly doubting relationships based on a past betrayal.
• Avoiding cats due to being scratched by one years ago.
• Never using public transportation again after getting lost.

Personal Experience

Consectetur adipiscing elit

An individual's reliance on their own past events and observations as evidence to support obsessional doubt

• Refusing to drive after experiencing a minor car accident

• Washing hands excessively due to a past illness caused by germs.

• Checking the stove repeatedly due to once leaving it on accidentally.
• Avoiding gardening after encountering a snake

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

• Social Norms
• Rules
• Expectations
• Laws
• Cultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

• Constantly doubting relationships based on a past betrayal.
• Avoiding cats due to being scratched by one years ago.
• Never using public transportation again after getting lost.

Personal Experience

Consectetur adipiscing elit

An individual's reliance on their own past events and observations as evidence to support obsessional doubt

• Refusing to drive after experiencing a minor car accident

• Washing hands excessively due to a past illness caused by germs.

• Checking the stove repeatedly due to once leaving it on accidentally.
• Avoiding gardening after encountering a snake

Neurodivergent Edition

Neurodivergent Personal Experiences

Autistic people experience the world differently than neurotypical people, and experience trauma due to their brain neurology on a daily basis.

• Rejection (Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria)

• Ableism and internalized ableism

• Masking

• Interoceptive differences

• Discrimination

• Communication differences-The Double Empathy Problem

Examples

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

• Social Norms
• Rules
• Expectations
• Laws
• Cultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

• Social Norms
• Rules
• Expectations
• Laws
• Cultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

Social NormsRules ExpectationsLawsCultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

• Social Norms
• Rules
• Expectations
• Laws
• Cultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

• Social Norms
• Rules
• Expectations
• Laws
• Cultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

• Constantly doubting relationships based on a past betrayal.
• Avoiding cats due to being scratched by one years ago.
• Never using public transportation again after getting lost.

Personal Experience

Consectetur adipiscing elit

An individual's reliance on their own past events and observations as evidence to support obsessional doubt

• Refusing to drive after experiencing a minor car accident

• Washing hands excessively due to a past illness caused by germs.

• Checking the stove repeatedly due to once leaving it on accidentally.
• Avoiding gardening after encountering a snake

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

• Constantly doubting relationships based on a past betrayal.
• Avoiding cats due to being scratched by one years ago.
• Never using public transportation again after getting lost.

Personal Experience

Consectetur adipiscing elit

An individual's reliance on their own past events and observations as evidence to support obsessional doubt

• Refusing to drive after experiencing a minor car accident

• Washing hands excessively due to a past illness caused by germs.

• Checking the stove repeatedly due to once leaving it on accidentally.
• Avoiding gardening after encountering a snake

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

• Constantly doubting relationships based on a past betrayal.
• Avoiding cats due to being scratched by one years ago.
• Never using public transportation again after getting lost.

Personal Experience

Consectetur adipiscing elit

An individual's reliance on their own past events and observations as evidence to support obsessional doubt

• Refusing to drive after experiencing a minor car accident

• Washing hands excessively due to a past illness caused by germs.

• Checking the stove repeatedly due to once leaving it on accidentally.
• Avoiding gardening after encountering a snake

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

• Social Norms
• Rules
• Expectations
• Laws
• Cultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

• Social Norms
• Rules
• Expectations
• Laws
• Cultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

• Constantly doubting relationships based on a past betrayal.
• Avoiding cats due to being scratched by one years ago.
• Never using public transportation again after getting lost.

Personal Experience

Consectetur adipiscing elit

An individual's reliance on their own past events and observations as evidence to support obsessional doubt

• Refusing to drive after experiencing a minor car accident

• Washing hands excessively due to a past illness caused by germs.

• Checking the stove repeatedly due to once leaving it on accidentally.
• Avoiding gardening after encountering a snake

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

• Constantly doubting relationships based on a past betrayal.
• Avoiding cats due to being scratched by one years ago.
• Never using public transportation again after getting lost.

Personal Experience

Consectetur adipiscing elit

An individual's reliance on their own past events and observations as evidence to support obsessional doubt

• Refusing to drive after experiencing a minor car accident

• Washing hands excessively due to a past illness caused by germs.

• Checking the stove repeatedly due to once leaving it on accidentally.
• Avoiding gardening after encountering a snake

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

• Constantly doubting relationships based on a past betrayal.
• Avoiding cats due to being scratched by one years ago.
• Never using public transportation again after getting lost.

Personal Experience

Consectetur adipiscing elit

An individual's reliance on their own past events and observations as evidence to support obsessional doubt

• Refusing to drive after experiencing a minor car accident

• Washing hands excessively due to a past illness caused by germs.

• Checking the stove repeatedly due to once leaving it on accidentally.
• Avoiding gardening after encountering a snake

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

• Social Norms
• Rules
• Expectations
• Laws
• Cultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

Social NormsRules ExpectationsLawsCultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

• Social Norms
• Rules
• Expectations
• Laws
• Cultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

• Constantly doubting relationships based on a past betrayal.
• Avoiding cats due to being scratched by one years ago.
• Never using public transportation again after getting lost.

Personal Experience

Consectetur adipiscing elit

An individual's reliance on their own past events and observations as evidence to support obsessional doubt

• Refusing to drive after experiencing a minor car accident

• Washing hands excessively due to a past illness caused by germs.

• Checking the stove repeatedly due to once leaving it on accidentally.
• Avoiding gardening after encountering a snake

• Constantly doubting relationships based on a past betrayal.
• Avoiding cats due to being scratched by one years ago.
• Never using public transportation again after getting lost.

Personal Experience

Consectetur adipiscing elit

An individual's reliance on their own past events and observations as evidence to support obsessional doubt

• Refusing to drive after experiencing a minor car accident

• Washing hands excessively due to a past illness caused by germs.

• Checking the stove repeatedly due to once leaving it on accidentally.
• Avoiding gardening after encountering a snake

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

• Social Norms
• Rules
• Expectations
• Laws
• Cultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

• Social Norms
• Rules
• Expectations
• Laws
• Cultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

Existentialism

Desire for Autonomy and Meaning

Dabrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration

Social Isolation and Differentiation

Intense Emotional Sensitivity

Examples

Heightened Intellectual Abilities

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

• Social Norms
• Rules
• Expectations
• Laws
• Cultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

For Example:

• Constantly doubting relationships based on a past betrayal.
• Avoiding cats due to being scratched by one years ago.
• Never using public transportation again after getting lost.

Personal Experience

Consectetur adipiscing elit

An individual's reliance on their own past events and observations as evidence to support obsessional doubt

• Refusing to drive after experiencing a minor car accident

• Washing hands excessively due to a past illness caused by germs.

• Checking the stove repeatedly due to once leaving it on accidentally.
• Avoiding gardening after encountering a snake

• Constantly doubting relationships based on a past betrayal.
• Avoiding cats due to being scratched by one years ago.
• Never using public transportation again after getting lost.

Personal Experience

Consectetur adipiscing elit

An individual's reliance on their own past events and observations as evidence to support obsessional doubt

• Refusing to drive after experiencing a minor car accident

• Washing hands excessively due to a past illness caused by germs.

• Checking the stove repeatedly due to once leaving it on accidentally.
• Avoiding gardening after encountering a snake

Facts

Things that are objectively true.

• People get sick
• Natural disasters happen
• Cars are among the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide
• Ticks carry diseases
• People get hacked
• Pesticides are used in many agricultural products

Hyper-awareness and Sensory Processing

Autistic individuals often experience the world with heightened sensory awareness. This hyper-awareness can extend to emotional and physical states of others, leading to intense empathy and sometimes mirror-touch synesthesia, where one feels the physical sensations of others.

• Constantly doubting relationships based on a past betrayal.
• Avoiding cats due to being scratched by one years ago.
• Never using public transportation again after getting lost.

Personal Experience

Consectetur adipiscing elit

An individual's reliance on their own past events and observations as evidence to support obsessional doubt

• Refusing to drive after experiencing a minor car accident

• Washing hands excessively due to a past illness caused by germs.

• Checking the stove repeatedly due to once leaving it on accidentally.
• Avoiding gardening after encountering a snake

• It's against the law to assault somebody
• Were supposed to go to the doctors

• Were supposed to ash our hands for 30 seconds
• Were supposed to lock our doors at night
• Were not supposed to cheat if were in a monogomous relationship

Social NormsRules ExpectationsLawsCultural/religious

Rules

Guidelines that you follow. This can be:

For Example:

Hyper-empathy

Managing Hyper-empathy

• Emotional Contagion
• Highly Sensitive to Emotional Cues
• Compulsions to help
• Overwhelm and emotional exhaustion
• Difficulties with boundaries

Hyper-empathy refers to an enhanced or excessive ability to empathize with the emotions and feelings of others. People with hyper-empathy are often highly sensitive to the emotional states of those around them, to the point where they can feel those emotions as if they were their own. This heightened empathy can lead to a deep understanding and compassion for others, but it can also be overwhelming and draining, as it may blur the boundaries between self and others.

functioning mirror neurons. This could potentially contribute to both heightened empathetic responses autistic people experience.

Mirror Neurons

While the traditional view suggested that the mirror neurons might be impaired in autism, newer perspectives indicate that autistic individuals may have a more complex or differently

Contamination

Health OCD

This synesthetic response can be particularly strong if the visual stimulus is something that evokes a strong emotional or instinctive reaction, like disgust..

Mirror-touch Synesethia

Individuals physically feel what others are experiencing due to a cross-wiring of sensory and empathetic pathways in the brain.