Mod 2 Client Copy

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.

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.

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

The Logic of OCD

Theory & Inferential Confusion

Consequence

Trigger

Compulsion

Anxiety

Doubt

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

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

Bottom Up

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

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

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

Gather as much information as possible before drawing a conclusion.

Thinks logically to understand the situation.

Interpret based on prior knowledge, experiences, and expectations.

Typically asks more questions

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

Bottom Up

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

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

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

Gather as much information as possible before drawing a conclusion.

Thinks logically to understand the situation.

Interpret based on prior knowledge, experiences, and expectations.

Typically asks more questions

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

Top Down

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

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

Uses these perceptions to build a bigger picture

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

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

Top Down

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

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

Uses these perceptions to build a bigger picture

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

Bottom Up Processing

Top Down Processing

Perception directes cognition

Perception is constructed by cognition

OCD lives here

Where we aim to shift your thinking to

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

Bottom Up Processing

Top Down Processing

Perception directes cognition

Perception is constructed by cognition

OCD lives here

Where we aim to shift your thinking to

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

Top Down Processing

Bottom Up

Top Down Processing

Top Down

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.

In 2020

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.

In 2020

Top Down Processing

Bottom Up Processing

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

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

Top Down Processing

Bottom Up Processing

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.

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

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 makes OCD happen?

Contamination

Harm

False memory

Health

Sensorimotor

Meta

Responsibility

Scrupulosity

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

Just Right

Relationship

Pedophilia

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.

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.

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.

Hearsay

Personal Experience

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.

Hearsay

Personal Experience

Rules

Facts

Possibility

The logic of OCD

Neurodivergent Edition

Core to identity

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.

• 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

Fuente

Autistic people also tend to interpret things more literally.

The logic of OCD

Neurodivergent Edition

Neurodivergent Rules:

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.

• 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

• 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

Fuente

The logic of OCD

Neurodivergent Edition

Twice Exceptional (2e)

Example

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.

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.

What fruit starts with A?

Why are pumpkins considered fruits, not vegetables?

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.

Existentialism and 2e

Personal Experience

Constantly doubting relationships due to past betrayals.

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.

Hearsay

Pedestrian Gets a Sudden Stop

Man Struck by Lightning Faces Battery Charge

Any type of story you have heard

Nuclear Winter Forecast

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

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

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

Plane Crash Really Takes a Nose Dive

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

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

Neurodivergent Edition

Examples

Masking

Rejection Sensititivty

• Not participating in debates after being publicly corrected.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The logic of OCD

Neurodivergent Edition

Neurological Differences

Mirror Neurons

Sensory Processing

Mirror-touch Synesthesia

Hyper-Empathy

Fuente

Managing Hyper-empathy

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.

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.

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

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

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

Fuente

Existential OCD Examples

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?

Fuente

Facts

Rules

Hearsay

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.

What if I hit a padestrian?

Facts

Rules

Hearsay

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.

What if I hit a padestrian?

Facts

Rules

Hearsay

Possibility

Personal Experience

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 hit a padestrian?

Rules

Hearsay

Possibility

Facts

Personal Experience

Pedestrians get hit

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

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?

Hearsay

Possibility

Facts

Rules

Personal Experience

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

Pedestrians get hit

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

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?

Personal Experience

Possibility

Facts

Rules

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

Pedestrians get hit

I've almost gotten hit by a car

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

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?

Personal Experience

Possibility

Facts

Rules

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

Pedestrians get hit

I've almost gotten hit by a car

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

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?

Personal Experience

Possibility

Facts

Rules

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

Pedestrians get hit

I've almost gotten hit by a car

It's possible I could hit somebody

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

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

Rules

Pedestrians get hit

Facts

I've almost gotten hit by a car

Personal Experience

Hearsay

Possibility

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

It's possible I could hit somebody

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?

Facts

Rules

Hearsay

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.

What if I have an adverse reactions to this medication?

Rules

Hearsay

Possibility

Facts

Personal Experience

Adverse reactions 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.

What if I have an adverse reactions to this medication?

Rules

Hearsay

Possibility

Facts

Personal Experience

Adverse reactions happen

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

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?

Hearsay

Possibility

Facts

Rules

Personal Experience

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

Adverse reactions happen

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

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?

Personal Experience

Possibility

Facts

Rules

Hearsay

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

Adverse reactions happen

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

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

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?

Personal Experience

Possibility

Facts

Rules

Hearsay

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

Adverse reactions happen

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

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

It’s possible to have an adverse reaction

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?

Personal Experience

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

Possibility

It’s possible to have an adverse reaction

Hearsay

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

Facts

Rules

Adverse reactions happen

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

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

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:

What if I get sick?

What if my partner cheats on me?

What if I make a mistake?

Hearsay

Facts

Rules

What if I harm a child?

What if I offend somebody?

Personal Experience

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.

Before moving on..

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

Next up, the OCD Story

Rules

For Example:

• 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

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

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

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

Rules

For Example:

• 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

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

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

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

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

Consectetur adipiscing elit

Personal Experience

• 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

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

• 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.

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

Rules

For Example:

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

• 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

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

Social NormsRules ExpectationsLawsCultural/religious

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

Rules

For Example:

• 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

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

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

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

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

Consectetur adipiscing elit

Personal Experience

• 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

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

• 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.

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

Rules

For Example:

• 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

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

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

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

Consectetur adipiscing elit

Personal Experience

• 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

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

• 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.

Rules

For Example:

• 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

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

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

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

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

Consectetur adipiscing elit

Personal Experience

• 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

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

• 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.

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

Rules

For Example:

• 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

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

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

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

Rules

For Example:

• 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

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

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

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

Rules

For Example:

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

• 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

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

Social NormsRules ExpectationsLawsCultural/religious

Rules

For Example:

• 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

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

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

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

Rules

For Example:

• 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

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

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

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

Consectetur adipiscing elit

Personal Experience

• 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

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

• 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.

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

Consectetur adipiscing elit

Personal Experience

• 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

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

• 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.

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

Consectetur adipiscing elit

Personal Experience

• 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

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

• 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.

Rules

For Example:

• 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

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

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

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

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

Rules

For Example:

• 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

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

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

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

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

Consectetur adipiscing elit

Personal Experience

• 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

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

• 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.

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

Consectetur adipiscing elit

Personal Experience

• 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

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

• 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.

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

Consectetur adipiscing elit

Personal Experience

• 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

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

• 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.

Rules

For Example:

• 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

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

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

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

Rules

For Example:

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

• 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

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

Social NormsRules ExpectationsLawsCultural/religious

Rules

For Example:

• 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

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

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

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

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

Consectetur adipiscing elit

Personal Experience

• 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

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

• 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.

Consectetur adipiscing elit

Personal Experience

• 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

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

• 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.

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

Rules

For Example:

• 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

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

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

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

Rules

For Example:

• 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

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

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

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

Existentialism

Heightened Intellectual Abilities

Intense Emotional Sensitivity

Social Isolation and Differentiation

Dabrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration

Desire for Autonomy and Meaning

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

Rules

For Example:

• 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

Guidelines that people follow. This can be:

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

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

Consectetur adipiscing elit

Personal Experience

• 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

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

• 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.

Consectetur adipiscing elit

Personal Experience

• 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

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

• 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.

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.

Consectetur adipiscing elit

Personal Experience

• 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

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

• 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.

Rules

For Example:

Guidelines that you follow. This can be:

• 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

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

Social NormsRules ExpectationsLawsCultural/religious

Hyper-empathy

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.

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

Managing Hyper-empathy

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

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

Mirror-touch Synesethia

Health OCD

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

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

Contamination