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CPTSD & HIGH MASKING AUTISM SERIES: 5 SIGNS YOU MAY BE AN UNDIAGNOSED AUTISTIC WOMAN | DR. KIM SAGE

Dr. Kim Sage, Licensed Psychologist・25 minutes read

The speaker delves into the impact of childhood trauma, potential autism traits, and the complexities of understanding neurodivergence, highlighting the need for more diverse research in this area. They reflect on personal experiences and research on topics like complex PTSD, highly sensitive persons, and potential connections to autism, aiming to share their journey and provide validation to others navigating similar challenges.

Insights

  • The speaker is deeply engaged in exploring the connections between complex PTSD, childhood trauma, and toxic hyper vigilance, especially in relation to potential subclinical autistic traits and sensory issues.
  • They emphasize the importance of recognizing the diverse presentations of autism, particularly in different populations, reflecting on the impact of childhood dynamics, societal expectations, and gender roles on the manifestation of autism and complex trauma.

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Recent questions

  • What is complex PTSD?

    A type of PTSD from childhood trauma.

  • How does childhood trauma affect personality development?

    It can lead to emotional dysregulation and relationship difficulties.

  • What is hyper vigilance?

    Heightened state of alertness and awareness.

  • How does autism relate to complex PTSD symptoms?

    There may be a connection through hyper vigilance and sensory issues.

  • What are the characteristics of highly sensitive individuals?

    Easily overwhelmed, detail-oriented, and love learning.

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Summary

00:00

Exploring Autism and Complex Trauma Relationships

  • The speaker is delving into a deep exploration of complex PTSD, childhood trauma, and the impact of toxic hyper vigilance on personality development.
  • The speaker discusses their parents' struggles with emotional regulation and traumatic experiences, particularly their father's decision to end his life.
  • They mention their mother's potential undiagnosed borderline personality disorder and the complexities of understanding these disorders.
  • The speaker is embarking on a focused study of level one autism, exploring its potential connection to complex PTSD symptoms like hyper vigilance and sensory issues.
  • They have spent significant time researching autism, including reading books like "Unmasking Autism" and "Neurotribes" and ordering more books on the topic.
  • The speaker is questioning the possibility of subclinical autistic traits in themselves and others, especially in relation to complex trauma symptoms.
  • They highlight the lack of diversity in research on autism and the need to consider how autism may present differently in various populations.
  • The speaker reflects on the impact of childhood dynamics, societal expectations, and gender roles on the manifestation of autism and complex trauma.
  • They share an article outlining five signs of undiagnosed autism in women, emphasizing the importance of recognizing potential misdiagnoses and the trauma of masking autistic traits.
  • The speaker clarifies that they are not claiming to have autism but are engaging in an inquiry to understand autism and neurodivergence in themselves and others.

15:22

"Autism Traits in Highly Sensitive Individuals"

  • Highly sensitive person (HSP) label, potential link to autism profile, Elaine Aaron's work, debate on HSP Dynamic
  • Characteristics of highly sensitive individuals: easily overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, affected by others' moods, strong emotions, detail-oriented, difficulty coping with change, love learning, need alone time, prone to illness, slow healing, dislike small talk, intense focus on interests
  • Preference for alone time or limited social interactions due to sensory and cognitive overwhelm, different friendship dynamics for autistic individuals
  • Special interest in art, psychology, or science common among autistic females, strong analytical thinking, interest in academia
  • Common diagnoses for HSPs: anxiety, depression, PTSD, BPD, potential misdiagnoses and treatment challenges
  • High likelihood of allergies, autoimmune disorders, fibromyalgia, and connective tissue disorders in autistic individuals, potential link to childhood trauma and chronic illness
  • Personal reflection on sensory triggers, potential autism traits, questioning family history impact, and biological father unknown
  • Intent to share personal journey, research, and experiences to help others navigate potential autism traits and sensory challenges, seeking validation and understanding from the audience
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