SH and Autism overlap (TW for mention/admissions of SH(
Shawdios
February 16th, 2023
I wanna ask
Calling all autistics! I wanna know how many of us SH, and if there even are any others out there.
I am an Autistic SHer and honestly i feel kinda alone in both communities. Most SHers don't get it when i say i find feeling the texture of my skin stimulating and pleasing when it's healing (they assume its a sexual thing). But if i turn to this community, i’m an outcast as a SHer, because “why in the world would you harm yourself like that?!”
just trying to get a grasp on things and feel not as alone.
[edited]
SleepyShyCat
February 16th, 2023
@Shawdios
Hello there
You're definitely not alone in this, though I'm sorry you feel so in both communities.
Although specific numbers are not known exactly, self-harm and self-injurious behaviour in Autistic people is fairly common for a variety of reasons.
Self-injurious behaviour tends to be the result of an attempt to regulate or express immediate physical pain or discomfort, communicate a particular need or due to sensory needs (ie. Sensory seeking behaviour or due to sensory overwhelm). Harm is not the intent. This tends to be things like (although not limited to) head banging, hair pulling, scratching, hitting or biting self.
Self-harm, however, is intentionally causing physical pain or harm to yourself, often as an attempt to manage difficult emotions or distress.
Autistic people can experience one of these, both or neither.
The reasons why autistic people self-harm can be different to non-autistic people. Daily life can be more challenging for autistic people. They may experience differences in understanding social situations and relationships. They may be misunderstood or not accepted by non-autistic people. This can lead to social isolation, rejection and loneliness, possible causes of self-harm.
Other reasons Autistic people may turn to self harm can be due to sensory differences – trying to regulate/manage sensitivity to sensory input, difficulties recognising, managing and regulating emotions (alexithymia), difficulties with transition and change, increased likelihood of other co-occurring mental health conditions.
Further reasons (which are not specific to autistic people alone) could be dealing with intense feelings or distress, self-punishment, trauma and difficult experiences, struggling with stress and worries, underlying mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Hope this helps a little 🐈