Question

How do you know if you’re on the autism spectrum or simply suffering from cptsd? I’ve had friends in the past who were on the spectrum and believed me to be but my psychologist told me I just had cptsd and it overlaps in some ways.

Answer 1

However, it's essential to consult with a qualified mental health professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis, as they can thoroughly assess your specific situation and provide personalized guidance.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):

1. Social Communication: People with ASD often struggle with social communication and interaction. They might have difficulty understanding social cues, maintaining eye contact, or interpreting nonverbal language (e.g., gestures, facial expressions).
2. Repetitive Behaviors: Individuals with ASD might engage in repetitive behaviors or have specific routines that they adhere to strictly. This can include repetitive movements, fixated interests, or rigid adherence to certain rituals.
3. Sensory Sensitivities: People with ASD may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to sensory stimuli. Certain sounds, lights, textures, or smells might be overwhelming or intensely appealing.
4. Social Difficulties: Making and maintaining friendships can be challenging for individuals with ASD, as they might have difficulty understanding social norms and forming emotional connections with others.
5. Speech and Language: Some individuals with ASD might have delays or difficulties with speech and language development.

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD):

1. Trauma-related Symptoms: CPTSD is typically associated with experiencing prolonged trauma or repeated traumatic events. Symptoms may include emotional dysregulation, difficulty trusting others, nightmares, flashbacks, and dissociation.
2. Interpersonal Difficulties: People with CPTSD might struggle with forming and maintaining healthy relationships, experience difficulties with intimacy, and have a strong fear of abandonment.
3. Negative Self-Perception: Individuals with CPTSD often have a negative self-image, feelings of worthlessness, and low self-esteem.
4. Emotional Flashbacks: Emotional flashbacks are a hallmark of CPTSD, where individuals re-experience intense emotions from past traumatic events, even in situations that are not directly related.
5. Hyperarousal and Hypervigilance: CPTSD can lead to a constant state of alertness, making individuals hypervigilant to potential threats in their environment.

It's important to recognize that there can be overlapping symptoms between ASD and CPTSD, which can sometimes make it challenging to distinguish between the two. Additionally, some people may have both conditions, making an accurate diagnosis even more critical.

If you have concerns about your mental health and the possibility of being on the autism spectrum or having CPTSD, I encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional for an evaluation. They can conduct a comprehensive assessment and provide the appropriate support and guidance based on your specific needs and experiences.