Do Autistic People Feel Pain Differently?

By Gail Garsia

Why do autistic people feel pain differently
The reason why people on the autistic spectrum feel pain differently is probably because of the way our brain is wired. Some autistic people are half numb to pain, some are hypersensitive to it, and some are actually both at the same time. I am.

A blood test gets me grimacing. When a speck of dust gets into my shoe, it stings, making me gasp. Sometimes it's so small, I can't even see it and have to run my hand through my shoe. Yet it hurts enough for me to limp to the nearest bench so I can sit and take my shoe off.

Aspie low tolerance for pain can be scary and embarrassing
Before a doctor's appointment, I'm distressed for days. When I'm told it wouldn't hurt, I don't know what to expect. A few times I've been told the procedure doesn't hurt at all, but it did. There were also times I've been told it hurts, but I felt nothing.

It's pretty embarrassing to wince and clench the examination chair's handles during a 'painless' checkup. The doctors think I'm a big baby. I can pick on that. They're not that subtle about it. I don't get anything for the pain, because it's 'not painful'.

I have sensitive teeth. My dentist told me he doesn't see any reason for my teeth to hurt. There's some wear and tear on the enamel, but not enough to cause pain. However, I feel sharp pain when eating cold, sweet, or sour food. It bothers me a lot. Already tried toothpaste for sensitive teeth, but it's not helping much. Perhaps I'll get fluoride gel at the dentist's office.

Aspies and stomach aches
It may be one of the reasons why so many people on the spectrum suffer from stomach aches. I call them 'autistic stomach ache.' I know from experience how frustrating they are. There's a theory about irritable bowel syndrome that people suffering from it get pain signal from simple digestive procedures that most of the population don't feel, aren't even aware of. Do autistic people feel pain resulting from something that is totally painless to the general population? Maybe. Although it may not be the only reason. General anxiety can add to it, for example.

Not being able to feel pain can be dangerous
On the other hand, the fact that autistic people sometimes don't feel pain when they should can be dangerous. What if something's seriously wrong, and we don't know? Pain is a warning sign, after all. It's there for a reason.

Advantages
Sometimes it's a blessing in disguise, though. My kickboxing instructor punched me in the face accidentally because I didn't block the punch fast enough. Blood ran down my mouth, but I barely felt pain. It can probably help in a fight.

Sometimes autistic people do feel pain, but it's milder. Sometimes we don't feel the pain at all. I've read horror stories about mammograms on the net, how painful it is. I talked to other patients who'd have it, and they said it hurts just a bit. A little pressure, they'd said. But I felt nothing. No pain, no pressure. Just the touch of cool metal on skin. The doctor told me, "Now you'll feel a bit of pressure." I didn't.

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Puzzle Bracelets to Support Autism

Help People Know About Autism

Have you heard about this disorder? Do you know how to communicate with a child with autism? It is a serious neuro-developmental disorder that impairs a child's ability to communicate and interact with other people. Sadly, it is a stereotyped behavior. It is reported that approximately 1.5 million Americans presently have some form of autism.

Presently it is not curable but this does not mean there's nothing that can be done. It is a spectrum condition, affecting everyone in a different way and this is what makes it hard to recognize. So it is very difficult to generalize all treatment options. And why do we need autism awareness? Because early diagnosis and appropriate intervention, proper understanding and structured support may help patients maximize their potential.

Promote and Inspire With Puzzle Bracelets

Since April is designated as Autism Awareness Month, use this opportunity to raise awareness among families, friends, and local communities. There are ways to show your support for this noble cause but using customized puzzle bracelets is among the best of them because they are enormously popular. Families living with autism often need moral support.

Autism treatment and research receive less than 5% of the public funding contributed each year to fight all major childhood diseases. There are plenty of initiatives you can organize to get financial support.

Include your co-workers, speak about autism and bring personalized puzzle wristbands to work. Collect as much donations as possible and send them to a charity organization.

Form a team together with your family, neighbors and friends. Organize a marathon walk in support of autism. Give your team a unique personality - wear customized bracelets with an inspirational autism message.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Etsy and Twitter are the perfect tools for promoting a cause you truly believe in. You can also use photo-based sites like Pinterest and Instagram.

Autism puzzle bracelets can help spread the word and show support for people living with the disorder. The official awareness color is royal blue with multi-color puzzle pieces. The idea behind puzzle pieces is to reflect the mystery and complexity of the autism spectrum disorder. Each piece is different in some way and each one accurately represents the beautiful diversity of the individuals living with it.

You can get these wristbands online or directly from stores. But before placing your orders, spend a few minutes of your time to see which one best fits your purpose. These products come in a wide range of colors, fonts and patterns.

Design custom puzzle bracelets online. Choose your message, custom color, and add some puzzle art. Print awareness messages like "SUPPORT AUTISM AWARENESS" or "AUTISM IS MY SUPERPOWER" and use them at your events.

These products can also be used as a safe and comfortable identification for autism patients with printed messages such as "Autistic Child - If Lost Call". Add the name and contact number of the caretaker and keep your loved one safe.

Read more on: How to support   Autism awareness with wristbands?


 By Billie Jean Bateson


Article Source: Puzzle Bracelets to Support Autism