Autism, PTSD Overlaps

Autism and PTSD are very similar, yet the cause is very different. You're born Autistic, but PTSD requires an event.  However, there are many overlaps. Having both, means I can identify with all symptoms of each one. 

Bipolar overlaps with PTSD, between 4 and 40 percent of people living with bipolar disorder also met criteria for PTSD. PTSD appeared more common in women and people living with bipolar I. Between 6 and 55 percent of people living with PTSD also met criteria for bipolar disorder. People living with both conditions tended to report worse symptoms and lower quality of life. (2007 study)

Autism Only  

 Repetitive behaviours & self-sooth through routines  

 Difficulty intuitively reading neurotypical social clues  

 Sensory sensitives part of baseline experience  

 Special interests  

PTSD Only  

 Presence of traumatic event  

 Avoidance behaviours  

 Intrusive memories & flashbacks  

 Hypervigilance  

 Nightmares  

The Overlap  

 Dissociation  

 Intimacy Difficulty  

 Increased risk of victimisation 

 Negative beliefs of self & world  

 Difficulty managing intense emotions  

 Heightened sensitivity to sensory input  

 High rates of self-medication, self-harm, depression and suicide  

 Hypervigilance/ overactive nervous system  

 Impulse controls difficulties  

 Executive functioning difficulties  

 Sleep issues 

 Stimming

Bi-polar Only

Mania - a “high” mood state characterized by heightened energy or euphoria. It is mania that is the differential between type 1 and type 2. Type 2 will experience 'hypo' mania, whereas type 1 will experience 'hyper' mania. The depression element is the same for both

Self-esteem -No barriers to what you can achieve. Can lead to reckless activity; over-spending, self-absorption, or grandiosity. Hypermania can result in hallucinations

Hyperactivity - pressured or confusing speech. Thoughts and ideas emerge too quickly for the brain to process, so writing or speech can start one way and quickly move to another.

Insomnia  - feeling refreshed on little sleep

The Overlap

Low Mood - a lingering low or negative mood, which might include feelings of guilt, anger, worthlessness, or fear difficulty experiencing positive feelings, like joy, optimism, or love and affection.  Negative beliefs of self & world (Overlap with Autism/ PTSD)

Functioning - problems with concentration and focus.  Executive functioning difficulties (Overlap with Autism/ PTSD)

Sleep - sleep difficulties (Overlap with Autism/ PTSD)

Motivation - disinterest in daily life loss of pleasure in your regular activities and hobbies 

Dissociation - withdrawal from friends and family.  Overlap with Autism/ PTSD)

Self-Harm - thoughts of suicide.  High rates of self-medication, self-harm, depression and suicide

(Overlap with Autism/ PTSD)