The Autistic Licence podcast explores the importance of justice for autistic individuals and the toll unfairness takes on them. They discuss social experiences related to masking, fawning, and appeasement. Other topics include struggles in property renovations, challenges running a therapy practice, difficulties accessing services, and the concept of masking resulting in an identity shift.
Masking and fawning are common survival instincts for neurodivergent individuals, often stemming from a sense of injustice and low tolerance for unfairness.
Autistic individuals have a unique communication style that combines directness with clarity, prioritizing justice and truth.
Deep dives
Masking and Fawning as Trauma Responses
Masking and fawning are common survival instincts for neurodivergent individuals, allowing them to hide their neurodivergent behaviors and appear to be 'normal' in social environments. Both masking and fawning involve adapting behavior to be accepted, but fawning is specifically an attempt to avoid conflict by appeasing others. These behaviors often stem from a sense of injustice and the low tolerance neurodivergent individuals have for unfairness. The act of masking or fawning can be exhausting and can contribute to burnout. However, there is a distinction between masking and fawning, where masking can be seen as a more strategic adaptation, while fawning is a more passive and appeasing response. It is important to acknowledge and understand these trauma responses and consider the impact they have on the well-being of neurodivergent individuals.
The Importance of Autistic Clarity in Communication
Autistic individuals often have a unique communication style that combines directness with clarity. While their style may not conform to traditional assertiveness, it tends to be effective in conveying their thoughts and experiences. Autistic individuals may prioritize justice and truth, engaging in open and honest communication to address any conflicts or misunderstandings. Their clear and straightforward approach can be disarming for others, especially when they recognize the sincerity and authenticity behind it. However, it is important to note that the social context and the individual's energy levels can influence their communication style, and there may be instances where a person may adapt their approach to appease others temporarily.
The Impact of Unfairness on Autistic Individuals
Autistic individuals have a particularly low tolerance for unfairness due to their strong sense of justice and fairness. They often feel compelled to address and correct situations they perceive as unfair, even if it requires significant effort and energy. This drive for justice can lead to tenacity and perseverance in advocating for their rights and needs. However, the additional stress and anxiety caused by encountering unfairness can contribute to burnout. Finding a balance between advocating for fairness and practicing self-care is crucial for autistic individuals to best navigate these challenges.
The Power of Relational Psychotherapy for Autistic Individuals
Relational psychotherapy offers a valuable approach for autistic individuals to explore and address their experiences in a supportive and understanding environment. The therapeutic relationship and the attunement between the therapist and the client play a vital role in creating a safe space for the individual to express themselves authentically. Through this process, autistic individuals can model and experience direct and open communication, fostering a sense of validation and empowerment. Acknowledging and embracing both their autistic identity and their role as therapists allows for a unique and powerful therapeutic journey.
In this episode we explore the centrality of the core value of justice for many autistic people.
We discuss the impacts on us when things aren't "right" or fair, the tenacity needed to address these and the toll this takes on us.
We then tentatively begin to explore some particular ways in which our social experiences correlate with theory around masking, fawning and appeasement.
