What a Pain Chronic pain and autism
12 snips
May 11, 2023 
Dr. Jeremy Gauntlett-Gilbert, a Principal Clinical Psychologist and Research Lead at the Bath Centre for Pain Services, dives into the complex interplay between chronic pain and autism. He discusses the unique challenges autistic individuals face in perceiving and managing pain and emphasizes the necessity for tailored rehabilitation strategies. The conversation also touches on the importance of communication between clinicians and neurodiverse patients, shedding light on how preconceived beliefs can shape pain experiences.
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High Autism Rates in Pain Clinics
- Autism prevalence in chronic pain clinics is much higher than in the general population, with up to 25% in some specialist clinics.
- This suggests a strong association between autism and chronic pain beyond simple population figures.
Sensory Overload at Service Station
- A teenage autistic patient described a service station as 'kryptonite' due to sensory overload.
- This example highlights how common environments can be overwhelming for autistic individuals with pain.
Sensory Issues Amplify Pain
- Sensory sensitivities play a huge role in the experience of chronic pain for autistic individuals.
- Anxiety, pain, and sensory issues interact and exacerbate each other in a complex triad.
