사고와 행동의 유연성 부족 _ 자폐증상

상황 파악이 느리고, 상황 파악을 하더라도 대처를 바로 하지 못하고 돌처럼 굳는 것.

나는 이게 트라우마 때문이라고 생각했지, 아니면 순종적이고 수동적인 성격 탓을 했지..

근데 이게 자폐 증상 중 하나였어.. 

 

항상 듣던 말, 유두리가 없다.. 고지식하다.. 곧이 곧대로다...

 

그래서 나는 상황 파악을 잘 하려고 항상 긴장해있었고,

웃음으로 무마하려고도 하고

하는 가면증후군을 만들었고,

 

이것이 나를 번아웃으로 이끌었지.. 

 

중요한 건.. 

이걸 안다해도,

나의 뇌가 유연해지지는 않는다는 거야, 

이런 순간이 또 온다는 거지. 

 

오늘처럼. 

 

Autism is associated with a lack of cognitive and behavioral flexibility, meaning individuals with autism may have difficulty adapting to changes, shifting perspectives, and transitioning between tasks. This rigidity is often linked to a preference for sameness and routine, which can contribute to social difficulties, anxiety, and restricted or repetitive behaviors (RRBs). While it is a core characteristic, flexibility can be supported through strategies like explicit teaching and creating tolerance for change. 

Characteristics of inflexible thinking and behavior

• Need for sameness: A strong preference for predictable routines and rituals, making unexpected changes difficult to cope with.
• Difficulty with transitions: Struggling to move from one activity or situation to another.
• Rigid thought patterns: Difficulty changing a perspective or solution when new information is presented.
• Social challenges: Sticking to one topic of conversation and difficulty shifting to a conversation partner's perspective.
• Anxiety: Experiencing heightened anxiety when faced with change or uncertainty. 

Impact of inflexibility

• Social difficulties: Inflexibility can strain relationships and make social reciprocity more challenging.

Strategies to promote flexibility

• Explicit teaching: Flexibility skills often need to be taught directly, rather than relying on observation and learning.
• Support for change: Use tools like visual schedules and transition warnings to help prepare for changes in advance.
• Build tolerance: Gradually introduce changes in a low-stakes environment to build tolerance for the unexpected.
• Model flexibility: Model how to handle mistakes and disappointment in a flexible way.
• Use choice-based activities: Offering choices within a routine can help foster a sense of control while also building flexibility.