June 25, 2025 • 13 mins
In this episode of "Femme on the Spectrum," host Elizabeth addresses the interrelation of Complex PTSD and autism. Drawing on research, she highlights the significant percentage of autistic individuals experiencing PTSD due to a neurotypical world that doesn't cater to their needs. She explains trauma sources, including sensory overload, social exclusion, difficulty in expressing emotions, and masking to resemble neurotypicals. As part of this podcast, Elizabeth also introduces listeners to coping strategies, from sensory aids, specialized therapy, routines, to the power of laughter. Furthermore, she recommends resources such as the CPTSD Foundation, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, and impactful books like “Unmasking Autism.” Elizabeth's focus is on the collective healing of her audience, assuring them they can thrive in spite of trauma.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:04):
Hey loves. Welcome back to fem on the spectrum, the
place where neurodivergent fems, they them's and gloriously wired souls
come to feel seen, soothed, and maybe even softly screamed with.
I'm Elizabeth, autistic ADHD, dance obsessed, mother of two glorious
(00:28):
chaos goblins, ovarian cancer survivor, and your resident truthteller with
a flair for emotional excavation and inappropriate laughter. Today's episode,
we're diving into a big one complex PTSD and autism.
Because let's be honest, if you've ever had a meltdown
from fluorescent lights, been gas lit by a teacher, or
(00:50):
masked your way into burnout, chances are you're carrying trauma,
maybe a lot of it. This is the episode where
we realize it wasn't just sensory overload, it was trauma. Surprise.
All right, Let's talk numbers, because nothing says eye opener
like some good old statistics. Buckle up, folks. A massive
(01:12):
cohort study in Taiwan found that autistic youth were get this,
twenty five times more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD
than their non autistic counterparts. Yes, you heard that right
twenty five times. That's not some small margin. That's a
(01:36):
mountain of a difference. It's like comparing a single rain
drop to a torrential downpour. Now let's look at the grownups.
About sixty percent of autistic adults screened positive for probable PTSD,
just for perspective, This is compared to roughly four percent
in the general population. That's a staggering contrast. Imagine being
(02:01):
in a room with ten autistic adults. Statistically speaking, six
of them are grappling with PTSD, and it doesn't stop there.
In some studies, the numbers shoot up to forty five
percent of autistic people exhibiting symptoms of PTSD. It's not
you being fragile or overly sensitive. This is your brain
(02:25):
trying to navigate and survive in a world that feels
relentless and often safe. So if you ever wonder why
you're anxious after a family gathering, or why loud noises
send you spiraling, it's not just you overreacting. It's trauma
knocking on your door, consistently reminding you that this world
(02:46):
was not built with you in mind. In essence, these
statistics are not just numbers. They're powerful indicators of the
prevalence and severity of trauma within our beautiful neurodivergent community.
So every tier, every trembling hand, and every heart that raises,
(03:11):
it's all valid and it all makes sense. All right, loves,
let's get into it. Why does trauma seem to have
such a vice grip on us autistic folks. Well, it's
not because we're inherently fragile or weak. No, it's because
the world we live in is built with neurotypical assumptions
(03:37):
and leaves us navigating a relentless maze of sensory assaults, exclusion,
and misunderstanding. First up, sensory trauma. Picture this. Your senses
are ramped up to eleven and you can't dial them down.
The buzzing of a fluorescent light that others can shrug off.
(03:57):
For us, it's like a chainsaw perpetually slicing through our piece.
A crowded room isn't just busy, it's an all out
assault on our senses. Chronic overstimulation leads to chronic stress,
stress that our minds and bodies inevitably internalize as trauma. Now,
(04:19):
let's talk about social exclusion. It's that continuous thread running
through our lives, from playground bullying to adult misunderstandings. We've
been mislabeled as problem kids by teachers, ghosted by friends
for being too much, and often left out of social
circles that didn't or wouldn't understand our quirks. This isn't
(04:43):
just painful, it's a breeding ground for trauma. Communication barriers
add another layer. Struggling with interception the ability to understand
and sense what's going on inside your own body or alexithymia,
the inability to name your emotions can leave you floundering.
(05:04):
Imagine being overwhelmed but unable to explain why, surrounded by
people who either dismiss or worse punish you for it.
It's like trying to scream underwater. And then there's masking
and self erasure. From a young age, many of us
(05:24):
learn to perform neurotypicality. We adopt behaviors that make us
appear normal to escape bullying or exclusion. But this constant
masking is exhausting and traumatic. It's not just pretending, it's
a persistent erasure of our true selves. This self suffocation
(05:47):
of authenticity chips away at our mental health day by
day pile all these factors together and you've got a
trauma cocktail. Sensory overloadde social exclusion, communication barriers, and the
draining act of masking. It's no wonder our community faces
(06:10):
such breathtakingly high rates of PTSD. This isn't weakness. It's
a natural response to an unnaturally hostile world. You see,
it's not just one thing. It's the layered, cumulative effect
of countless smaller traumas and acknowledging. This is our first
(06:30):
step toward collective healing, my glorious chaos goblins. It's not
that we are too sensitive, it's that the world is
too harsh, and being gentle with ourselves amidst this harshness, that,
my friends, is our revolution. Let's pause for a second,
catch our breath, and yes, feel free to scream into
(06:51):
a pillow if you need to, because now we're diving
into the good stuff, how to survive with humor and
a toolkit designed for us gloriously neurodivergent souls. All right,
First things first, sensory First eight. If you haven't already
invested in noise canceling headphones, now's the time, My loves,
(07:17):
these babies aren't just for hipster commuters. They're essential dark spaces,
compression gear and having a stash of safe foods. You know,
the ones that don't send your senses into overdrive are
crucial too. Think of these as your survival gear, not luxuries.
Next up therapy, but not just any old therapy. You
(07:40):
need someone who gets trauma and autism. Think emdr somatic
work parts therapy, basically approaches that can be adapted for
our beautifully wired brains. Having a counselor who understands your
unique experiences can be a game changer. Now a big one.
(08:01):
Stimming is sacred to all my fellow rockers and dancers
and flappers, this one's for you. Movement is magic. It's
a release. So dance, rock, stim with your kids, whatever
feels right, Just let it out. Routines, yes, they're life savers.
(08:25):
I know the word routine gets a bad rap sometimes,
but predictability lowers cortisol levels and for us that's a
game changer. So go ahead, set those schedules, stick to
your rituals, and don't let anyone make you feel bad
for it. I call it regulated, thank you very much.
(08:47):
And finally, laughter, let's face it, if we didn't laugh,
we'd cry and probably end up buying a new whiteboard
to organize our breakdowns. So find the humor even in
the chaos. Laugh at the absurdity, because laughter isn't just
a distraction, it's a vital part of our survival toolkits.
(09:09):
So there you have it. Sensory aids, specialized therapy, the
sacredness of stemming, the magic of routines, and the unrivaled
power of humor. These aren't just coping strategies. They're lifelines.
(09:30):
And trust me, I've been to helen back enough times
to know they work. All right, loves, that's your survival guide,
crafted with experience, grit, and a dash of inappropriate laughter.
Hang tight, because next up we're diving into resources and
hope in this journey of healing, So stick around. You
(09:51):
won't want to miss it. You're not broken, you're not weak,
you're not too sensitive eurrogues, you're autistic in a world
that often doesn't get you, and trauma thrives in the
absence of understanding. But healing is possible. Let's talk resources.
If you're looking for a place to start, here are
(10:13):
a few that have been game changers for me and
others in our community. First, the CPTSD Foundation. It offers
educational materials, support groups, and even daily recovery support calls.
It's a lifeline for anyone grappling with complex trauma. Then
(10:35):
there's the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. This organization fights for
our rights and provides invaluable resources on everything from healthcare
to legal advocacy. Social media gold mine alert check out
Neurodivergent Insights on Instagram. Their posts are a treasure trove
(10:59):
of information, encouragement, and if you're a bookworm, don't miss
Unmasking Autism by Devon Price. It's a must read that
dives deep into the realities of living, unmasked and unapologetically
full of insights that could change your life. And of
(11:20):
course I'm here too. This podcast is a space where
you don't have to explain your needs, where stemming is sacred,
meltdowns aren't failures, and surviving trauma in an autistic body
is a revolutionary act. Finding your tribe people who truly
(11:46):
get you makes all the difference. Seek out spaces where
you can be raw, real, and fully yourself. Whether it's
an online group, a local meetup, or a therapeutic community.
These connections can offer the understanding you crave and the
support you need. Remember, healing doesn't mean erasing what's happened
(12:09):
to you. It means finding ways to thrive despite it.
And you can. We can together. So to everyone listening,
you are brave, you are brilliant, You belong. This is
your reminder that in a world that often doesn't understand,
we are rewriting the narrative, one story, one resource, one
(12:31):
community at a time, and that's revolutionary. Thank you for listening, truly,
thank you for surviving, for showing up, and for just
being here with me today. Your resilience and participation mean
the world to me, to us, to this whole beautiful
community of neurodivergent souls. You are brave and brilliant, and
(12:56):
don't you forget it. So what's up next week? Oh
we've got I got a fun one lined up. Special
interests and how they literally saved my life. We're talking
Dance Floor's documentaries, And yes, there will probably be some tears,
mostly mine, probably while listening to Florence Welch, So make
(13:17):
sure you tune in for that. It's going to be
a blast. Until then, my love, stay weird, stay gentle,
and stay beautifully. You keep navigating this world with that
glorious spark of yours. This has been fem on the
(13:38):
spectrum and I've been your host, Elizabeth. Catch you next time,
and don't forget to check the show notes for all
the resources mentioned in today's episode. Outro music gentle ambient
fade out like a night light for the soul
Hey loves. Welcome back to fem on the spectrum, the
place where neurodivergent fems, they them's and gloriously wired souls
come to feel seen, soothed, and maybe even softly screamed with.
I'm Elizabeth, autistic ADHD, dance obsessed, mother of two glorious
(00:28):
chaos goblins, ovarian cancer survivor, and your resident truthteller with
a flair for emotional excavation and inappropriate laughter. Today's episode,
we're diving into a big one complex PTSD and autism.
Because let's be honest, if you've ever had a meltdown
from fluorescent lights, been gas lit by a teacher, or
(00:50):
masked your way into burnout, chances are you're carrying trauma,
maybe a lot of it. This is the episode where
we realize it wasn't just sensory overload, it was trauma. Surprise.
All right, Let's talk numbers, because nothing says eye opener
like some good old statistics. Buckle up, folks. A massive
(01:12):
cohort study in Taiwan found that autistic youth were get this,
twenty five times more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD
than their non autistic counterparts. Yes, you heard that right
twenty five times. That's not some small margin. That's a
(01:36):
mountain of a difference. It's like comparing a single rain
drop to a torrential downpour. Now let's look at the grownups.
About sixty percent of autistic adults screened positive for probable PTSD,
just for perspective, This is compared to roughly four percent
in the general population. That's a staggering contrast. Imagine being
(02:01):
in a room with ten autistic adults. Statistically speaking, six
of them are grappling with PTSD, and it doesn't stop there.
In some studies, the numbers shoot up to forty five
percent of autistic people exhibiting symptoms of PTSD. It's not
you being fragile or overly sensitive. This is your brain
(02:25):
trying to navigate and survive in a world that feels
relentless and often safe. So if you ever wonder why
you're anxious after a family gathering, or why loud noises
send you spiraling, it's not just you overreacting. It's trauma
knocking on your door, consistently reminding you that this world
(02:46):
was not built with you in mind. In essence, these
statistics are not just numbers. They're powerful indicators of the
prevalence and severity of trauma within our beautiful neurodivergent community.
So every tier, every trembling hand, and every heart that raises,
(03:11):
it's all valid and it all makes sense. All right, loves,
let's get into it. Why does trauma seem to have
such a vice grip on us autistic folks. Well, it's
not because we're inherently fragile or weak. No, it's because
the world we live in is built with neurotypical assumptions
(03:37):
and leaves us navigating a relentless maze of sensory assaults, exclusion,
and misunderstanding. First up, sensory trauma. Picture this. Your senses
are ramped up to eleven and you can't dial them down.
The buzzing of a fluorescent light that others can shrug off.
(03:57):
For us, it's like a chainsaw perpetually slicing through our piece.
A crowded room isn't just busy, it's an all out
assault on our senses. Chronic overstimulation leads to chronic stress,
stress that our minds and bodies inevitably internalize as trauma. Now,
(04:19):
let's talk about social exclusion. It's that continuous thread running
through our lives, from playground bullying to adult misunderstandings. We've
been mislabeled as problem kids by teachers, ghosted by friends
for being too much, and often left out of social
circles that didn't or wouldn't understand our quirks. This isn't
(04:43):
just painful, it's a breeding ground for trauma. Communication barriers
add another layer. Struggling with interception the ability to understand
and sense what's going on inside your own body or alexithymia,
the inability to name your emotions can leave you floundering.
(05:04):
Imagine being overwhelmed but unable to explain why, surrounded by
people who either dismiss or worse punish you for it.
It's like trying to scream underwater. And then there's masking
and self erasure. From a young age, many of us
(05:24):
learn to perform neurotypicality. We adopt behaviors that make us
appear normal to escape bullying or exclusion. But this constant
masking is exhausting and traumatic. It's not just pretending, it's
a persistent erasure of our true selves. This self suffocation
(05:47):
of authenticity chips away at our mental health day by
day pile all these factors together and you've got a
trauma cocktail. Sensory overloadde social exclusion, communication barriers, and the
draining act of masking. It's no wonder our community faces
(06:10):
such breathtakingly high rates of PTSD. This isn't weakness. It's
a natural response to an unnaturally hostile world. You see,
it's not just one thing. It's the layered, cumulative effect
of countless smaller traumas and acknowledging. This is our first
(06:30):
step toward collective healing, my glorious chaos goblins. It's not
that we are too sensitive, it's that the world is
too harsh, and being gentle with ourselves amidst this harshness, that,
my friends, is our revolution. Let's pause for a second,
catch our breath, and yes, feel free to scream into
(06:51):
a pillow if you need to, because now we're diving
into the good stuff, how to survive with humor and
a toolkit designed for us gloriously neurodivergent souls. All right,
First things first, sensory First eight. If you haven't already
invested in noise canceling headphones, now's the time, My loves,
(07:17):
these babies aren't just for hipster commuters. They're essential dark spaces,
compression gear and having a stash of safe foods. You know,
the ones that don't send your senses into overdrive are
crucial too. Think of these as your survival gear, not luxuries.
Next up therapy, but not just any old therapy. You
(07:40):
need someone who gets trauma and autism. Think emdr somatic
work parts therapy, basically approaches that can be adapted for
our beautifully wired brains. Having a counselor who understands your
unique experiences can be a game changer. Now a big one.
(08:01):
Stimming is sacred to all my fellow rockers and dancers
and flappers, this one's for you. Movement is magic. It's
a release. So dance, rock, stim with your kids, whatever
feels right, Just let it out. Routines, yes, they're life savers.
(08:25):
I know the word routine gets a bad rap sometimes,
but predictability lowers cortisol levels and for us that's a
game changer. So go ahead, set those schedules, stick to
your rituals, and don't let anyone make you feel bad
for it. I call it regulated, thank you very much.
(08:47):
And finally, laughter, let's face it, if we didn't laugh,
we'd cry and probably end up buying a new whiteboard
to organize our breakdowns. So find the humor even in
the chaos. Laugh at the absurdity, because laughter isn't just
a distraction, it's a vital part of our survival toolkits.
(09:09):
So there you have it. Sensory aids, specialized therapy, the
sacredness of stemming, the magic of routines, and the unrivaled
power of humor. These aren't just coping strategies. They're lifelines.
(09:30):
And trust me, I've been to helen back enough times
to know they work. All right, loves, that's your survival guide,
crafted with experience, grit, and a dash of inappropriate laughter.
Hang tight, because next up we're diving into resources and
hope in this journey of healing, So stick around. You
(09:51):
won't want to miss it. You're not broken, you're not weak,
you're not too sensitive eurrogues, you're autistic in a world
that often doesn't get you, and trauma thrives in the
absence of understanding. But healing is possible. Let's talk resources.
If you're looking for a place to start, here are
(10:13):
a few that have been game changers for me and
others in our community. First, the CPTSD Foundation. It offers
educational materials, support groups, and even daily recovery support calls.
It's a lifeline for anyone grappling with complex trauma. Then
(10:35):
there's the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. This organization fights for
our rights and provides invaluable resources on everything from healthcare
to legal advocacy. Social media gold mine alert check out
Neurodivergent Insights on Instagram. Their posts are a treasure trove
(10:59):
of information, encouragement, and if you're a bookworm, don't miss
Unmasking Autism by Devon Price. It's a must read that
dives deep into the realities of living, unmasked and unapologetically
full of insights that could change your life. And of
(11:20):
course I'm here too. This podcast is a space where
you don't have to explain your needs, where stemming is sacred,
meltdowns aren't failures, and surviving trauma in an autistic body
is a revolutionary act. Finding your tribe people who truly
(11:46):
get you makes all the difference. Seek out spaces where
you can be raw, real, and fully yourself. Whether it's
an online group, a local meetup, or a therapeutic community.
These connections can offer the understanding you crave and the
support you need. Remember, healing doesn't mean erasing what's happened
(12:09):
to you. It means finding ways to thrive despite it.
And you can. We can together. So to everyone listening,
you are brave, you are brilliant, You belong. This is
your reminder that in a world that often doesn't understand,
we are rewriting the narrative, one story, one resource, one
(12:31):
community at a time, and that's revolutionary. Thank you for listening, truly,
thank you for surviving, for showing up, and for just
being here with me today. Your resilience and participation mean
the world to me, to us, to this whole beautiful
community of neurodivergent souls. You are brave and brilliant, and
(12:56):
don't you forget it. So what's up next week? Oh
we've got I got a fun one lined up. Special
interests and how they literally saved my life. We're talking
Dance Floor's documentaries, And yes, there will probably be some tears,
mostly mine, probably while listening to Florence Welch, So make
(13:17):
sure you tune in for that. It's going to be
a blast. Until then, my love, stay weird, stay gentle,
and stay beautifully. You keep navigating this world with that
glorious spark of yours. This has been fem on the
(13:38):
spectrum and I've been your host, Elizabeth. Catch you next time,
and don't forget to check the show notes for all
the resources mentioned in today's episode. Outro music gentle ambient
fade out like a night light for the soul
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