The Physical Aspects of Asperger's Syndrome
8. Brain & Mental Comfort and Anxiety
A lot of anxiety in Aspies is
not the result of a problem with mental health, but with the health of the
brain. Brain organization is different in Aspies, and brain chemistry can
get very far from ideal at times. For physical brain health, I recommend
the diet and supplements mentioned elsewhere in this report. For anxiety
and stress, I also refer you to the supplements already mentioned.
The mental health of those with Asperger's sometimes requires a different
perspective. Things that are easy for neurotypicals might be harder for
Aspies, so they might need more help in dealing with something. For
example, sudden change is usually a very bad thing for an Aspie. However,
if the person can be given advanced notice of an event or a change in plans,
they can commonly be perfectly fine with it. For young children, you could
even use a timer to help them understand. If they want to play their game
forever, you might say ten more minutes, and they'll throw a fit when you take
them off the game. A timer, to a child who is old enough to read it, can
tell the child that time is passing, and that they're accountable for it.
Then, when it beeps, they'll learn (the second time) to not be so surprised or
upset. Aspies like rules. They like being told in advance how things
are going to be. Teach the person the rules, and from then
on, they'll be more accurate at obeying the rule than even you are.
Brain Fog
Another common problem in autism, as caused by a less-than-healthy body, is what's known as Brain Fog. In this condition, the brain and thought processes simply don't work as well as they should, or could. The person knows they can think fast, better, but they can't seem to get it done. It's incredibly frustrating and can halt achievements and progress. It is suggested that toxin build up in the body is preventing the accurate function of the brain. Personally, I agree with that theory. On page 45 of Children with Starving Brains, the authors illustrate in pathogenic detail how inflammatory reactions in the digestive tract from eating the wrong foods can lead to deleterious effects on brain health and ability. They go on to state that eating a GFCF diet, if needed, and eliminating deficiencies of essentials such as Vitamins B6 and B12, fatty acids, calcium, copper, magnesium, and zinc, can help the brain work more efficiently. Every person is different in their needs, but it appears certain that there is a biomedical reason for such problems as brain fog.
Headaches
Headaches are common in autism. My theory is that this is due to the biochemical imbalances in autistic brains due to diet and to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Headaches are also commonly caused by dehydration. Less common but also possible is lack of food. A headache in the lower back of the head, upper neck, area signifies a buildup in sinus pressure. When I get a headache, the first things I do is drink a lot of water and make sure I've had my vitamins and that I've had enough to eat. Sometimes, lying down for 5-15 minutes seems to help the cerebral spinal fluid in my head balance out. I don't know if it's true, but that's what it feels like. I drink a lot of water and lay down in a cool place. My head will throb for a few minutes, and then, it usually fixes the headache. If I wait too long to address the headache, though, it will take that much longer to subside. Sinus headaches might also require that the sinuses be cleared. Tension headaches are helped by head, neck, and shoulder massages.
Mental Health and Memory
In attempt to provide mental comfort for an Aspie, you'll have to find what works for you. Some people feel better by stimming, which is any repetitive moment. I like to have music available. I always make sure I have an mp3 player on me, in case I need to escape for a while. I like to keep a book on me when possible, for the same reason. Having something available that you like to do can mean the difference between peacefully waiting and going crazy.
Personally, the thing that helps me most with my mental health is the ability to write things down. I have a planner on which I schedule everything. I also keep lists of everything. Lists are very helpful to me. I list everything, as you can tell from reading this report. This report began as a long, long list. I list food to buy, food I can eat, books I want to read, future gifts for people, things I need to do, movies I'd like to see, you name it.
I often get many ideas in my head at the same time. I would go crazy if I simply began trying to do these tasks one by one. In addition, I would lose 80% of my ideas, which would make me very sad, and negatively affect my productivity and my mental health. For this reason, I highly encourage anyone who is like me to write as much as they'd like. I start with notes, usually on post-its. Then, I type up these notes. Then, I do them, or process them, or whatever they require to come to fruition.
One trait of Aspies is that we like to go on and on talking about the topic of our choosing, usually for much longer than anyone is willing to give us audience. Writing has saved me in this capacity by allowing me to "talk" to someone that will never tire of what I have to say. It's very therapeutic that way. I get what I need to say out, but don't bother any friends or family in the process (unless, of course, they choose to read it, like on my blog, which is nice too, sometimes, but at least the reading is optional for them.)
Reading also helps me relax. I admit, it's work to read, and requires more brain activity than watching tv. However, it activates certain brain waves that allow my brain to slowly relax in a way that nothing else can. I also like learning new things, and books fulfill both of those cravings in me. Aspies express their creativity in several ways. For some, writing may not be their way of releasing their creative energy. Some are excellent at painting, decorating, sculpting, playing a musical instrument, writing music, arranging music, arranging items artistically, and many other talents. The point is to locate which talent or talents you enjoy and to use them to make yourself happy and at peace.
Disclaimer: This site and its content are not intended to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided in this site, and its links to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. The author is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services, or products you obtain as a result of visiting this site.