Trauma in Autism

Autism is highly popularized these days between the rich and famous. Don’t be fooled, ASD, former Asperger Syndrome, is not Autism, though generically listed on the  ‘Functional Autistic Spectrum’.

The general consensus is that all Mental Illness originates from Anxiety, although Genetics are increasingly entertained.

That said, Trauma still tops the charts in Anxiety.

Trauma can be subconscious, since it can occur as early as birth.
PTSD is typically diagnosed in adulthood as result.

The fact of the matter is that the cause of Autism is not yet fully understood.
The traumatic environmental theory is subjective.
Every autistic is different. Showcase analysis is the most accurate way of studying the condition.

Could Autism have a correlation with Trauma?
Possibly. I firmly believe it s an illness whatsoever.

There’s no such thing like ´high-functioning autism´, a Personality Disorder referred to as ASD to date.

Autism is an individual dysfunctional medical diagnosis.

Let’s stop pretending.

Brain Circuits form fully at gestation. Autistics have defective brain circuitry.
Genes are inherited and the most accredited cause of Autism to date.
Once defective genes are discovered, brain circuits are already formed in the fetus.

Gene therapy will hopefully become the most promising treatment.

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Genetics

Genetic engineering accounts for future research although public information is deliberately scarce to date.

It is no secret that Genetics are the new frontier of medicine.
We have now the technology to engineering genes, virtually meaning no more need for medication.

Defective brain circuits form in the womb.
Mental illness starts developing at birth, defective brain circuits pave the way.

The pharmacological approach still remains the first choice in psychiatry.

Genetics are a somewhat secretive branch of medicine.

What do we know so far for certain?

Enzymes and hormones control brain circuits that can be modified by genetic engineering and surgery.
Mental patients are still wary.
Psychosurgery is not talked about openly.

Stereotaxic techniques and CT scanning are the benchmarks of psychosurgery, the updated version of craniotomy, put it bluntly, where delicate instruments are inserted and guided in the brain through a minuscule hole in the skull.
The goal is modifying disabling circuits, if not destroying them altogether.
Psychosurgery is still in the experimental stage and performed only as last resort.

Medical ethics, religious beliefs, sociology, are just some of the many implications: is it correct to alter one’s personality if we are made to the image of God?

More clarity is needed in psychiatry.

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Amino Acids in Neurogenesis

Neuroscience is a fast-paced field. Like all medical disciplines to date, it is still primarily symptomatic oriented. Stimulants are being increasingly studied in Brain-signaling, rather than the initial precursors of all Signals, the Amino acids.

Amino acids are organic molecules virtually omnipresent in every living organism, the building blocks of life.

In the human body, they tend to bind in short chains named Peptides.
When Peptides contain at least 20 amino acids, they form Proteins. 
Proteins are longer chains of amino acids also called Polypeptides.
A protein can have a structure of up to two Polypeptides.

In Mental Health, Proteins are outdated subjects of study.

Modafinil is the primary compound associated to protein synthesis to date, not yet understood after 30 years. 
Coincidentally, this medication is somewhat ghosted, despite its effectiveness at cellular level. 
Every biological process starts at cellular level. 
Proteins play a crucial role in cellular development and Signal Processing, although pharmacology looks at the more remunerative symptomatic mechanisms of action.

Current stimulants target the manufacturing of dopamine and norepinephrine in ADHD and Narcolepsy. 
They don’t target failing Brain Signaling, the root-cause of Executive Dysfunction.

Although the mechanism of action is ‘supposedly’ not understood 30 years later, Modafinil showed promising results with boosting Neural Transportation Pathways  responsible for carrying signals from the Cerebellum to the Cerebrum by Proteinic  synthesis.
For non-known reasons, research was archived and the compound is available as a non-specific source of evidence, therefore deemed unsafe and not promoted openly by professionals.

It is known that Tryptophan and Tyrosine are the precursors of Serotonin and Dopamine, respectively, the two main humoral neurotransmitters.
There is no medication targeting these proteins, other than over the counter’ supplements.
Research is bound towards Neurotransmission at Synaptic level only.
Signaling deficiency is not taken into consideration by pharmaceuticals.

What we supposedly don’t know is whether dysfunctional Neurotransmission is a Signal-disorder or a Re-uptake dysfunction.
Money will tell.

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Rethinking Autism/ADHD

Are Autism and ADHD of genetic origin or the result of bad parenting?

Never like these days, we’re experiencing a fast-paced global transition at the hands of Artificial Intelligence.
♪No one and nothing will help us ♪, used to sing the late visionary artist David Bowie in the 70s… how proving him wrong? No business is exempt.

AI is showing to overtake “HI”, Human Intelligence.
However, the controversy is that Humans created AI, hence I d use the ‘Artificial’ pseudonym with a large grain of salt.
Scientists learned how to make algorithms interact independently, although they create algorithms. The interaction of algorithms produces Intelligence, in other words, it enhances the human mind.
For this reason, I envision a potential future in Mental Health.

Just before the advent of AI, Genetics were the last frontier in Medicine.
Almost mental disorders were attributed to inherited genes.

Nowadays, the approach is switching more toward Development.

Imagine what a microchip inserted in the brain can do…

‘Bonding’ is an old established term in parenting which is having a revival in AI.
Lack of Bonding translates to Parental Neglect. It is gaining momentum as a Developmental Disorder, Autism and ADHD not exempt.

Lack of Bonding has a number of implications, mainly on empathy.
A chain-reaction, lack of Empathy leads to malignant Narcissism, NPD medical.
NPD annihilates Emotions. Lack of emotions affects Memory storage. Impaired Memory is responsible for Learning Disabilities.

The debate over Autism and ADHD as in learning disabilities or neurodiversity seems to never reach a general consensus either medically or socially.
‘Acceptance’ would be the most advocated approach. 
The reality is that we’re headed toward extreme Globalization at the very hands of few World’s tycoons ironically on the Autistic Spectrum themselves.

Shall we assume that Neurodiversity is the norm?
The Neurotypical would qualify as the Outcast.

Hopefully, AI will give us clearer answers.



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Masking

In this digital age, Image speaks more than language. Texting is more popular than verbal communication. Appearance is the reflection of our workplace and personality, the first feature taken into account by recruiters or dating partners. The pressure on Appearing has surpassed verbal exchange, complicating conversations and turning personal hygiene into obsessive rituals.

Social phobia is the new pandemic.
Autistics are not exempt, although their coping mechanism differs from the neurotypical.

We all obsess over appearing, these days, something in common once in awhile between neurodivergent and neurotypical! 
Autists try hard to mask, the neurotypical drain themselves with multiple compulsive daily showers and cosmetology.

Both  are wrong in their own fashion, that is not the definition of Hygiene, yet autists are not dirty, nonetheless.
Excessive showering depletes the skin of protective oils, giving an aging look.
If we shower before bed, it’s unlikely that we are dirty in the morning, unless the bed becomes an additional alternative to the gym, prompting us to yet another extra final rinse.

See, we don’t know anymore how to relax by managing time. The average amount of sleep in the middle-aged group is 4/5 hours per night, of course you look a wreck the following morning! So comes another cold shower to wake us up, though the outcome doesn’t get any better.
A vigorous fresh face-washing has the same awakening effect of a shower, hair looks smoother still, we act out of fear to appear.

Masking works in the short-term, despite exhausting, the treatment of choice for autists.

Body language plays a crucial role until the ultimate decision-making takes its toll, or when the mask-mandate comes to an end, time to reveal our true nature.
The outcome is up to us.
We must select our strongholds and we will give the best appearance.
Autistics are extremely selective, a win-win technique.
Don’t mask, be God’s hero.
We all have weaknesses, Accept yourself.

Masking is always a cause of Regret.
Latest therapy works on reversing Regret to Reset in midlife, based on the stereotype that life starts again at 40.
The biggest commercial scam to date, in my humble opinion.

Why waiting 40 years to lower the Mask?
This new approach is a praise for masking successfully in youth.
These  ‘therapists’ obviously are unaware of the discomfort associated to 40 years of masking.
I bet they are New Agers.
They practically deny Youth by giving Middle-age the ‘Prime of life’ s name.
As a middle aged myself, I can testify that the 40s and 50s are the toughest years. I do look forward to 60 however, not by the declassification of youth.

I can figure out the logic behind it, nevertheless: if you’re in midlife, it’s most likely you received an Autism/ADHD diagnosis in adulthood. Plenty of people my generation are diagnosed well in their 40/50 s.
Nowadays, Autism/ADHD are typically detected in the third year of life, ndr.
It is the former group being targeted by Reset therapy.
The theory is, once the damage is done, there’s no way back, but to Reset.
Again, terminology is in constant play. Reset is nothing else than Rewire, just more AIsh conform. I’ll never submit to AI. I’m a human.

I fully support Rewiring from childhood.
Personality normally keeps evolving until 25, after which, Rewiring becomes obsolete.
It is not clear what Resetting will accomplish.
This kind of therapy claims to turn Youth Regret into Pride, which is starting with the wrong leg. It is long established the association of Pride with Masking.

Acceptance is the first step towards recovery, agreed by all traditional Mental Health Professionals.
That prompts the inevitable question, what’s the difference between Pride and Acceptance?
Pride is always forced upon, a fighting state that can collapse anytime and expose Shame.
Acceptance is Pride without Shame and Arrogance.

Turning Youth Regret into Pride in midlife, is Smacking youth, literally.
As if the first 40 years of life were meaningless, in other words, Denying one s youth.
The message is “Life starts just now. You made it to 40, be proud!”

I agree with living in the Present by Acceptance of the Past, NOT Regret.

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Stuck in time

Benefits of music in Brain-Rewiring.

Music is one of the main markers of time.
We all have a special song in our heart associated with the happiest time of our life.

I thought to myself, a beautiful memory, until I was challenged by a musical programme hosted by a middle-aged musician.

I was very touched, since my music-idol, David Bowie, happens to have died in 2016 with my heart s tracks.

Needless to say, music is my medicine.

The radio guest commented that music is in constant evolution and we must evolve either with dead or active musicians.
Fans tend to identify with an artist and are unable to rewire their brain musically.
It is scientifically proven that music can wire up neuronal circuits.

That has dramatic consequences on the music industry and the consumers:
older generations don’t listen to new bands, in turn, new bands have a hard time building base-listenership with teenagers.

I hear all the time from the middle-aged that today s music means nothing to them.
I put myself in between by acknowledging the painful generational divisions.

That said, what is the solution?
Social Interaction.

We didn’t have these generational issues before the social media bubble.
In the 80/90 s we met people by chance in the parks, pubs… we didn’t care about age but sharing, last but not least, music.

I’ll never forget a vibrant 70 years old Beatles crazy I befriended in London Hyde Park in my 20s! He would tell me about the 60’s and I would enlighten him on Bowie.
Guess what: I developed an interest in 60’ society and he started listening to Bowie.

Those were the days!

Media are destroying us.
We re just starting to understand it.
About time.

R. I.P. Jim

I wish I was Jim in 30 years in England talking about Bowie to young people in the park whilst learning about new bands.

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Autistic Routines

Neuronal displacement is extremely debilitating. Recovery can be timely and requires a significant amount of work and dedication in autism.

Today is sweltering and water is rationed, a foreseeable common scenario for the near future as result of the ongoing global warming.

I feel displaced.
You’re already familiar with the word.

That comports a change in routine.
Bells ringing… I need to adjust.
And here come the migrant neurons into question again.

Back in the day, it was believed that once neuronal circuits were formed during gestation, they couldn’t change anymore in life.
The theory is still entertained by conservative scientists and the benchmark of autism, sadly.

How can evidence be ignored?
Mood-stabilizers and Motion-sickness’ medication are the most promising treatments in Mental Health.

All these compounds target neurons displacement.

I have taken a motion-sickness pill and am using wipes as alternative to showering.
I feel much better.
I ‘ll shower tomorrow.

It is obvious that I’m still wired to showering, though I can ‘adjust’ to temporary challenges with proper medication.

Based on my experience, I believe that brain circuits can be re-wired.

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Brain rewiring

Common symptoms of Neuronal dysfunction. 

Rewiring is a term used by Mental Health professionals to describe neuroplasticity, the ability of the brain to adapt to new environments.

OCD-Obsessive Compulsive Disorder- is a common feature of autism.

OCD is not an illness in itself but a symptom, specifically an obsession.
It never manifests individually yet hatches to underlying conditions by exacerbating them.
The sufferer is fully aware of their surroundings but unable to control their compulsions, i.e. they know that the door is locked, though they can’t refrain from repeatedly checking.

Rewiring the brain is not easy task.
Most often, sufferers have no options other than facing the challenge forcibly.
My case is very descriptive: I crave to go home despite the fear of change.

Antidepressants help to a varying degree.
Stimulants work better with underlying ADHD.

However, OCD is still treated off-label.

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Perfectionism in neurodiversity

Perfection is not humanly designed. Perfectionism is a Mental Disorder underlying other conditions, most commonly ADHD and OCD. The healthy definition of Perfectionism is “Doing the best of your ability.”

Perfectionism is a Delusion.
The human brain is not set to Perfection.
In neurotypicals, the pseudonym “perfect!” refers to “well done!”
“Well done” doesn’t mean “perfect”, it means “good job”.
“Perfect” is just a misused, lazy term.

Unfortunately, the neurodivergent take Perfection to the letter with due consequences: since humans will never achieve perfection, the struggle is real and time consuming. The quest for imaginary perfection takes its toll on Timing. 
This pattern translates Perfection to Failure.

Our society is timely. Everything happens in a Time-setting.
We can’t stop Time because we are mortals.
We can only virtually stop Age as in a  ‘time setting’, “Age is a number…”, a personal attribute, some people feel 85 at 65, others feel 20 at 65…
I feel 30 at 50, nonetheless.

Time and Age are not the same concept: Age is the Result of time, Time is the natural cycle of the planets and depending stars, what astronomers call Orbits. Technically, Time started with the Big Bang for humankind, although latest evidence suggests the existence of a pre-Universe. Anyway, let’s not get into astronomy, knowing that the Earth is 3 billions years old and the Sun has sufficient energy for the next million years, is what matters to humankind.

We can’t sacrifice time for perfection.
Knowing our abilities will keep us on time by giving our best either at work or study. Giving the best will always account for ‘Good Job’ !
Every good educator or boss will acknowledge one’s best effort regardless the score, unlike 30 years ago when only the grades counted, sadly.

I’m not saying that scores don’t count, nowadays, what I mean is that low scores generated by best practices can be implemented, they are never a failure.

One of the greatest visionary musicians of the last 50 years, David Bowie, used to rehearse one time only, no matter what, Perfection was composing a song within 3 days for him, and all his music was a success despite “not perfect”, in his own words. He was no genius, he knew his limits and abilities.

With that quote, I’ll conclude that Time is Perfection in human nature.
Don’t be late…


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Event processing in Autism

 ‘Social Jet lag’ is the definition of Exhaustion in ADHD/Autism following social events. Getting ready for expected events is of utmost importance in Autism. Envisioning the predictable alleviates the unpredictable.

I came across an article on Autism/ADHD which consolidated my coping strategies.

Time accounts for a major change in Autism.
Changes are big stressors.

The theory is to be prepared for changes, particularly unexpected ones.

Weather is quite predictable in Asia with two main seasons only: dry and mild Autumn/Winter, damp and hot Spring/Summer.
Still, passing from 6 months of comfortable sunny days to 6 months of rain and  humidity doesn’t leave many chances for the body to adapt gradually like with 4 seasons.

However, one can’t be prepared for the unexpected, though we can picture approximately in our minds what unexpected scenarios might take over.
It’s a win-win technique that works some for me.

I had the proof last night: a heavy storm advisory was in place.
I didn’t want to stand the chance and went to bed with an extra sleeping pill.
Until the storm hit.
I woke up immediately in panic and couldn’t get back to sleep.
It wouldn’t have happened had I processed the warning before lying down.

So, how does event-processing work?
Weekly planning is a startup.
Sure, circumstances can change suddenly, but having an ‘emergency plan’ handy can save your day/night.

I won’t go any longer to bed prompted by exhaustion only.
Half hour of time-processing is worth the effort.

The same can be said for social events.
Socializing is both craved and draining in Autism and ADHD.
Once again, Masking to conform is the main stressor.
The major concern with Masking is Pleasing-Overwhelm, in other words, Conforming.
I said multiple times how Masking is short-lived.
If you really can’t avoid it, having an  Emergency Plan,  ‘Exit Strategy’ in psychology, is crucial.

‘Exit’ speaks alone.
We’re never alone in a social setting, soon or later, the Mask will drop. Disengaging temporarily from the group, allows us to recharge.
There are hundreds means of kindly disengaging: the most common is setting a  Time-frame. If the pressure builds up suddenly, have an excuse ready.

Last week, I attended a concert with my wife and her friends.

The heat in the Concert-Hall was sweltering, although the music made up for them: Europeans and Asians have different temperature-thresholds.
I excused myself and went out half hour. No offence taken, the night ended smoothly despite Social Jet-lag the morning after.

Acceptance is always the action of choice.

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