A meeting of aliens: an exploration in trying to increase moments of perceptual overlap with a neuro-diverse client

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the challenge of establishing a meaningful connection between a neurotypical therapist and a neurodiverse patient who inhabit different Umwelts, that is, perceptual worlds.¹ It discusses how addressing anxiety is crucial in preventing communication difficulties from escalating for individuals with autism who may have heightened stress due to an overgrown amygdala. Embodied mirroring is introduced to focus on perceptions and reduce stress. Furthermore, the potential for epigenetic changes due to unaddressed anxiety is raised. The paper emphasises the importance of responding to individual differences in sensory and perceptual experiences to promote effective communication and positive outcomes in therapy.

KEYWORDS:

• Perception
• neurodiversity
• anxiety
• amygdala
• epigenetic change
• embodied mirroring
• Umwelt

Acknowledgments

I am hugely grateful to Suzi Naiburg for the guidance offered both individually and via a clinical writing group. Whilst paying attention to structure, Suzi introduced me to a new way of writing and reading clinical papers. I am also grateful for the generous support of my co-writers in the writing group. I would also like to express gratitude to Anne Alvarez who has encouraged my work with neuro-diverse clients over many years of supervision. Lastly, thanks to my editor, Krisna Catsaras, for his considered, but light touch.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. In this paper, I am using Umwelt loosely, and not in its existential capacity which distinguishes between Umwelt, (one’s environment, in which both anxiety and guilt affect one’s experience), Mitwelt; (which refers to the relational context) and Eigenwelt, (which refers to one’s relationship with oneself or one’s own-world).

2. Anna is a pseudonym and the material in this paper has been disguised to preserve confidentiality. Anna’s mother read the first draft of this paper and gave written consent for publication. Following a re-submission of the paper, Anna’s mother was invited to read the current version but did not take up this opportunity. She gave written consent for publication so long as I had not added anything that would compromise the protection of Anna’s identity.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carolyn Hart

Carolyn Hart worked as a child psychotherapist in the Specialist Looked After Team at Sheffield‘s Children’s Hospital until 2020. Carolyn currently works independently in Sheffield.