The Problematic Dynamics of Empathy, Stress & Ramped Up Sensory Processing

Like I already knew this . . .

Research on Recognizing Facial Emotion Expressions Could Change Our Understanding of Autism

August 2, 2022

Summary:  Autism-associated social difficulties may reflect differences that only become apparent in high-pressure scenarios and certain social interactions. The findings challenge the belief that those with ASD can’t adequately read facial emotional expressions.

Source:  Flinders University

So I have never really bought this "IDEA" that people with ADHD &/or Autism couldn't read facial expressions---- I think it can be quite the OPPOSITE ---

BUT

There are PROBLEMATIC DYNAMICS --- I think it is more related to RAMPED UP STRESS RESPONSES that can get out of control.

Further, I'm fine if we want to FOCUS on EMPATHY but it's not going to get us very far if it is not the DOUBLE EMPATHY of EFFORT rather than the split-second EMPATHY of which team you're on.

I think it can be helpful to bring in this concept of REJECTION SENSITIVE DYSPHORIA which is often associated with ADHD, but I think cuts across a lot of NEURO-DIVERSITY that appears to be associated with greater Neuro-Developmental Inflammation.

Further, I don't think this issue of emotions normal in every way except INTENSITY is limited to "REJECTION."

• Whether we call this "EMOTIONAL INTENSITY" associated with "Giftedness" or "EMOTIONAL DYSREGULATION" associated with a Neuro-Developmental Difference or Psychiatric Disorder ----
  • Can reflect a lot of "UNCONSCIOUS BIAS"

This INTENSITY is not all a bad thing, but it is not all a good thing either.

• Further, I think it can become very hard on not only those around us but on our own bodily and mental systems.

Further, if we start to consider "PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS" as related to Neuro-Developmental Differences/Disorders ---

• there are more problematic dynamics.

ADHD, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, Depression and Schizophrenia are BLURRED, according to the US National Institute of Mental Health.

A particularly problematic behavior that has been associated with "BIPOLAR DISORDER" is ---

• AGGRESSION as a means to stave off DEPRESSION
  • “Aggression protects against the onset of major depressive episodes in individuals with bipolar spectrum disorder.  Journal of Behavior Therapy (2017)

I think the problem is a lot less that people aren't sensitive --- BUT THAT THEY ARE TOO SENSITIVE.

I think that goes to some extent to explain the popularity of Mark Manson's books which I think are tapping into a counter-intuitive reality.

Flinders University --- Adelaide, Australia

Further, I think something that you hear Older Women say --- "Oh men are such babies -- they're so sensitive."

I don't think as girls and younger women we start out thinking that --- BUT I do think men are often more "SENSITIVE" and whether they are IMPLODING or EXPLODING --- it can be very problematic.

Especially, in the CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM where you often have men who are acting aggressively maybe as an unconscious way to stave off DEPRESSION---

• AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE
• AND Both the PREVENTION and CURE may be COUNTER-INTUITIVE.