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Abstract
The Autonomic Dysregulation Theory of autism posits that a phylogenetically early autonomic defect leads to overarousal and impairments in language and social engagement. Cognitive rigidity and repetitive behaviors manifest as mitigating efforts. Focusing on the implications of this premise may provide more productive therapeutic approaches than existing methods. It suggests that self-regulation therapy using hypnosis and biofeedback should be highly effective, especially for young people. Hypnotic strategies can utilize restrictive repetitive behaviors in trance as resources for comfort and control. Biofeedback training can be tailored to focus on autonomic regulation. The authors develop this theory and describe methods of integrating hypnosis and biofeedback that have been therapeutic for people with autism. Directions for future research to validate this approach are discussed.
Notes
1. For the remainder of this article, the term “autism spectrum disorder(s)” (ASD) refers to the phenotypic range of autism conditions, unless otherwise specified. The taxonomy of these conditions continues to evolve, but we focus here on unifying traits while not ignoring the important role of clarifying distinctions among phenotypes. This usage is also consistent with the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (American Psychological Association, 2013) that divides ASD into levels of functioning (high, middle, and low) for all who meet diagnostic criteria, removing subtypes such as Asperger Syndrome.