Alice Nicholls @DrAliceNicholls Twitter profile

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Alice Nicholls

3 years

The Autistic Burnout Symptom checklist is a self report qualitative measure of symptoms associate with autistic burnout it is available for download at

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

7 months

The #AutisticBurnout Symptom Checklist is a free, downloadable qualitative measure of commonly reported Autistic Burnout Symptoms. It can be useful to gauge any changes in level of burnout over time. This provides us with information about what is making it better or worse.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

6 months

#askingautistics does anyone else find that ear plugs (I.e, loop) just make their own noises feel (heart beat, own voice, breathing) intolerably loud?

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

As #ActuallyAutistic people we don’t always have the time or energy to engage in our interests or hobbies in the way we would like to. This can contribute to #AutisticBurnOut and low mood. #AskingAutistics what small interest related activity can you do in 15 minutes or less?

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

“Refusing to perform neurotypicality is a revolutionary act of disability justice; it is also a radical act of self love” spectacular thinking and writing from #unmaskingautism by @drdevonprice #ActuallyAutistic #AutisticBurnOut

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

One of my biggest concerns about coming ‘out’ as an #ActuallyAutistic Clinical Psychologist was that, in the back of their minds, some of my colleagues might be concerned about my ability to mentalise. #irony

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

My #ActuallyAutistic colleagues and I have writen an article about how #autistic people can be good #clinicalpsychologists add value to our profession.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

#askingautistics what is bringing you peace and/or joy right now? This project has been ongoing for years now but when I’ve got the spoons left at the end of the day I really enjoy sitting and working on it quietly. #AutisticBurnOut

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

8 months

Managing #AutisticBurnout when you're an #AutisticParent is really hard. A lot of the resources out there for AB assume you are not a parent. A lot of parenting resources assume you are not #actuallyautistic Here is a thread of things that can help 1/

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

#AskingAutistics what stresses you out? I’m writing a list of stressor that other #ActuallyAutistic people might find helpful. If you are happy for me to share please tell me the daily stressors big and small that add to your overwhelm and contribute to your #AutisticBurnOut .

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

7 months

Self-criticism is one of the major barriers to recovery I see in my #AutisticBurnout clients. But what is it? Why do we do it? What's the problem with it? and What can we do about it? A thread 1/8

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

7 months

High IQ is usually a protective factor against suicidal thoughts. This study found the opposite to be true in #actuallyautistic youth, where higher IQs were associated with increased suicide risk

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

I’m often a bit tight for time but I’m now also struggling with physical energy due to pregnancy. I love gardening but can’t do hours of it now so I’ve broken it down into 15 minute tasks. I repotted one tray of seedlings yesterday evening and felt much better for it.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

@AutisticCallum_ There is a massive need for ND therapists and decent training for NT therapists. I’m an autistic clinical psychologist and I’m at full capacity with a waiting list. I don’t know if you are UK based but there is a directory of ND therapists here

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

I plan to weed just enough flower patch to plant one or two plants tonight. To plant a tray of seeds another night. To stake some of the taller plants another night etc…

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

I’ll start with mine: More than one person talking at a time; extractor fans; meeting new people; going to new places; having to change my routine, even just postponing it by half an hour; tight clothes; wardrobe doors left open; having to rush…

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

#AskingAutistics how do you know when you are approaching #AutisticBurnOut ? What are your warning signs? My ABSC is just one of many ways of gauging an increase in autistic burnout symptoms.

Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

The Autistic Burnout Symptom checklist is a self report qualitative measure of symptoms associate with autistic burnout it is available for download at

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

@commaficionado Hi! Although I’m currently full with a waiting list we definitely do exist. I would also recommend @ANDTherapists or discussing this article with your NT therapist

Why Doesn't Standard Talking Therapy Work for Autistic People? - Dr Alice Nicholls

Why Doesn't Standard Talking Therapy Work for Autistic People? An Autistic Clinical Psychologist's recommendations for adapting therapy.

www.dralicenicholls.com

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

4 months

I used to think that it was important to eat together as a family every night. As a ND family, the demands this created did not suit any of us. I've realised there are better times and ways for us to connect. Have you re-evaluated any of your values? #AutisticBurnout

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

5 months

One of the biggest internal causes of #AutisticBurnout and barriers to recovery I see in my clients and Autistic Burnout Recovery Membership is Self-Criticism #ActuallyAutistic #ClinicalPsychologist #AutisticBurnout #AutisticBurnoutRecovery #PsychologistsOfInstagram

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

#AutisticBurnOut is a common side effect of living in a society set up for neurotypical peoples needs. It is not your fault. Learning about your individual stressors, resources and letting go of the shame associated with meeting your needs can help.

How to Get Out of Autistic Burnout - Dr Alice Nicholls

Do you want to know how to recover from Autistic Burnout? Autistic Clinical Psychologist, Dr Alice Nicholls, shares seven steps to recovery.

www.dralicenicholls.com

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

8 months

Consider if you are applying neurotypical standards to your parenting and household. Your children need to be safe, fed and loved. Anything else is a bonus and is less important than you being well. Remove moral judgement from household tasks. Massively lower your standards.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

9 months

@mightbeautistic I’m still suprised when I read things like this and realise that some people don’t think much about socks 😂

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

This sounds fascinating…. I would love to know if such people exist… I certainly don’t see them in my clinic! #AutisticBurnOut #research

Jane Mantzalas

@JaneMantzalas

2 years

Seeking expressions of interest from autistic adults who have NOT experienced #AutisticBurnout to participate in a study about how different groups understand autistic burnout. Email j.mantzalas @latrobe .edu.au or DM me for more info. Ethics HEC21008.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

@AutisticCallum_ Yes and I think Hannah Gadsby is explicitly doing this now… ‘comedy’ as a platform for truth. Love it.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

7 months

Autistic People are at risk of self criticism for several reasons: The experience of being different, bullied, or criticised for not understanding NT social cues. Being criticised for stimming, gaslit about sensory or emotional experiences. Having our behaviour 'controlled' 3/8

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

This resonates with the experiences of many of my clients and me personally. Many undiagnosed autistic people are left knowing they can’t cope with (NT) life but don’t understand why. This can leave us feeling like imposters who have to ‘fake it’ leading to #AutisticBurnOut

Emily♡

@ItsEmilyKaty

3 years

What growing up with undiagnosed autism meant for me. - a thread. /1

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

7 months

Self-criticism is an internal voice or feeling that we are doing something wrong, should be doing something, are wrong or flawed in some way. Often we have internalised the voice of a critical parent, teacher or peer. It can be obvious or subtle, e.g. 'I should try harder' 2/8

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

7 months

Self-criticism keeps our threat (fight, flight, freeze, faun) system online, increases cortisol, prevents us from understanding and meeting our needs, reducing stressors and increasing soothing regulating activity, exhausting us and contributing to #AutisticBurnout 4/8

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

5 months

Are your parenting standards too high for someone in or at risk of #AutisticBurnout ? When my first child was little I had lots of idealistic views on screen time. Dropping this standard has made life more sustainable for both of us. Have you let go of any unhelpful standards?

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

6 months

Social Demands can be harder to cope with when you are in #AutisticBurnout here are just a few of the reasons why. Can you think of any others?

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

8 months

Know that you are not alone, there are lots of autistic parents struggling and making contact with others might help you too. there are Facebook groups, @ParentsAutistic and my paid membership where you can seek emotional and practical support. Please take care of yourself.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

My #ActuallyAutistic 7YO with her dad discussing why she doesn’t tuck her socks in: 7: To show off the watermelons on them! D: OK but most people don’t wear socks like that. 7: But I’m Aurtistic. D: Artistic or Autistic? 7: I’m Autistic AND Artistic and l like being BOTH.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

8 months

Find activities you and your children can do together than regulate you both. Depending on your sensory needs this might include: Dance, colouring, paining, clay, making mud pies, walking, yoga (check out cosmic kids on YT), Playdough, Lego, Karate, gardening.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

7 months

@mightbeautistic Unfortunately I’ve not been tech savvy enough to do that, but if you share my website www, it’s fairly clearly signposted on the home page. Thankyou for sharing

Dr Alice Nicholls - Psychologist helping overwhelmed autistic people

Clinical Psychologist helping overwhelmed autistic people live fulfilling lives without sacrificing their mental health.

www.dralicenicholls.com

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

7 months

Consider what your needs really are in this situation and if you could meet them. Be compassionate about your lack of compassion for yourself, it's hard to break a life long habit, aim to be just a little bit kinder. 7/8

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

6 months

Managing social demands is the topic of the month in the #AutisticBurnout Recovery Membership. Examples of Social Demands for #ActuallyAutistic people, which do you find the most demanding?

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

I've been thinking about things to signpost potential clients to while I'm on maternity leave. 1. If you particularly want to work with me I have created an online #AutisticBurnout Recovery Programme 1/4

The Autistic Burnout Recovery Programme

dralicenicholls.teachable.com

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

7 months

Self-Criticism is the topic of the month for November in the #AutisticBurnout Recovery Membership, see link in bio for more details. #ActuallyAutistic #ClinicalPsychologist 8/8

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

Indeed! I’m glad to see the media have progressed away from the stereotypical image of autistic white males but I’m disappointed that all they’ve managed are white cis gender women. Autism is a thing for ALL HUMANS.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

Why do autistic people need psychotherapy to be adapted?

Why Doesn't Standard Talking Therapy Work for Autistic People? - Dr Alice Nicholls

Why Doesn't Standard Talking Therapy Work for Autistic People? An Autistic Clinical Psychologist's recommendations for adapting therapy.

www.dralicenicholls.com

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

@ItsEmilyKaty Thank you for sharing, I really relate to this. Without a diagnosis I felt like I was just someone who couldn’t cope with life. I didn’t understand why and my self esteem was awful as a result. I felt I had to ‘fake it’ and as a result spent a lot of time in burnout.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

7 months

#actuallyautistic people are at increased risk of self criticism and this seems to have a role in triggering and maintaining #autisticburnout

Self-Criticism in Autistic Burnout - Dr Alice Nicholls

What is Self Criticism? How does it contribute to Autistic Burnout? and what can you do about it? By Dr Alice Nicholls, Clinical Psychologist

www.dralicenicholls.com

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

8 months

Take a break if you can. If you have support ask for a weekend/day/evening/hour/30 minutes to yourself. If possible get this scheduled in regularly. If your children go to childcare/school make the most of this resource. Breakfast and after school clubs, school dinners.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

Yeah this is a fast track to #AutisticBurnOut “I know I’m not quite cutting it socially so I’ll try and compensate by spending hours baking or organising the next social event”

Dee

@ADDeeCee

2 years

IME actions don’t speak louder than words. Neuronormative culture has specific expectations for both; the balance is complex. I have half killed myself with effort so my actions could make up for my words—wrong, too late, absent. Productivity is a hell of a mask #AutisticBurnout

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

@HelenGowling I’m sorry you feel this too. It does feel like a vulnerable place to be and also a potentially powerful and more authentic one. The more I learn, the more I think being ‘out’ is better, not just for me personally but also for the profession and of course our ND clients!

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

7 months

Try to imagine what you would say to yourself if you were being compassionate. By compassionate I mean wise, strong and kind, not necessarily soft. You might want to do something that is hard because you care for yourself. What would you say to someone you cared for? 6/8

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

I went to my #actuallyautistic friends house for lunch with 4YOs. We agreed she would make it as easy as possible. We had chocolate spread on crumpets and a banana. It was perfect. Now neither of us need to worry about standards for future lunch dates. #AutisticBurnOut

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

7 months

When we are acting to appease our self-critic it can help to examine the reality of the situation. What would really happen if you did or didn't do what your self critic was telling you?5/8

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

For more information on #autisticburnout please see

How to Get Out of Autistic Burnout - Dr Alice Nicholls

Do you want to know how to recover from Autistic Burnout? Autistic Clinical Psychologist, Dr Alice Nicholls, shares seven steps to recovery.

www.dralicenicholls.com

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

8 months

It is hard to think of what to do when you do get a few minutes to yourself so make a plan in advance. eg. 'if I get 10 minutes I will do some yoga/ sit in the garden/ drink a cup of tea mindfully' focus on doing something small that replenishes you, even if it is just a little.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

In order to manage my energy levels while preparing for maternity leave I’ve had to cut down on non-essential activities including Twitter. I will be back soon! #AskingAutistics what do you cut down on when there are too many demands on your time and energy? #AutisticBurnOut

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

8 months

A recent survey of 141 #ActuallyAutistic adults with experience of #AutisticBurnout noted that 98% scored over the cut-off for #depression (Arnold etal 2023) Previous research has determined that Autistic Burnout is distinct from depression (e.g. Raymaker et al 2020). 1/6

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

7 months

I work with #Autistic adults who want to recover from #AutisticBurnout for more details please see link in bio. #ActuallyAutistic #ClinicalPsychologist

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

@AutZebra I’m so glad you asked as that’s my situation! I drop my standards down a bit so make easy dinners, do activities with them that are the least stressful (gardening, craft). When they’re occupied I take a few minutes to hang upside down and do some deep breathing.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

7 months

Do you have a minimum standards mode? If so, what are they? When things get hard I have a small list of minimum standards I apply to my day and then try to rest wherever I possibly can. I’ll post mine below #autisticburnout 1/4

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

8 months

If you don't have support to have time away from your children then start to notice the times when they need less from you: maybe they nap, are happy eating snacks or watching TV, maybe they will entertain themselves for short periods of time after a structured activity.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

7 months

What has helped most in your recovery from #AutisticBurnout so far? #AskingAutistics

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

I spent most of my life trying to fit in, to behave in line with neurotypical expectations. It did nothing but make me mentally Ill… and like a constant failure. This is the situation a lot of my clients experiencing #AutisticBurnout are in when they seek help.

@[email protected]

@AutSciPerson

2 years

I would just like to remind the general public that everyday, autistic people are told that masking is good for us. That it gives us things, that it allows us to live in our society. It's not. It's a pick-your-poison scenario. It's not "good." It's short-term and erodes us.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

@Ava_Nicole23 No, this is just a qualitative tool at this stage- so it lists the symptoms identified in the Raymaker study I plan to develop it further into a validated tool. For now I hope it helps people to identify how they are feeling and measure change over time.

“Having All of Your Internal Resources Exhausted Beyond Measure and Being Left with No Clean-Up...

Background: Although autistic adults often discuss experiencing “autistic burnout” and attribute serious negative outcomes to it, the concept is almost completely absent from the academic and...

www.liebertpub.com

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

@AutZebra I also wear noise reducing ear buds so I can still hear them but not quite so loudly! I have to slow everything right down and take the day one step at a time with the objective just being to keep everyone calm and safe.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

The myth that #ActuallyAutistic people lack #theoryofmind has been thoroughly debunked. This myth made me think I couldn’t be autistic and then, later, made me scared to come ‘out’ as autistic, particularly to my #clinicalpsychology colleagues

Empirical Failures of the Claim That Autistic People Lack a Theory of Mind

The claim that autistic people lack a theory of mind—that they fail to understand that other people have a mind or that they themselves have a mind—pervades psychology. This article (a) reviews...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

I also made it easier by saying I would only stay an hour and following though by leaving on the hour. Knowing we are both easily overwhelmed we made the date as easy as possible. This makes it more likely we might actually do it more than once. #autisticfriends

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

7 months

I missed my karate class this week and it wasn't until I missed it that I realised how much I need it to stay regulated throughout the week. What do you need to stay regulated? #actuallyautistic #AskingAutistics

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

#AskingAutistics what are you #stimming on right now? I’m going through a lot of discomfort and uncertainty so I’ve needed something salient to get me through. Crunching ice cubes. I have freezer burn on my tongue and I don’t think my dentist will approve but it’s working!

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

6 months

@Lefty_twix Yes! I’ve tried this- even just the occasional swallow is ridiculous

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

This is sad, we know that children whose parents willingly tell them they’re autistic have more positive beliefs about both them selves and autism in general. Children know they’re different and benefit from having support in understanding why.

(PDF) How is Autistic Identity in Adolescence Influenced by Parental Disclosure Decisions and...

PDF | Lay abstract: There is a lot of research about how parents think about their child's autism but we don't know much about how parents talk with... | Find, read and cite all the research you need...

www.researchgate.net

TheAutisticAdvocate

@KieranRose7

3 years

I'd just like to point out out to all the people who are crowing over the Christine & Paddy McGuinness car crash playing out in front of me right now, that everyone in the world knows that their children are Autistic, except their Autistic children. #Autism

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

One of my biggest challenges as an #ActuallyAutistic parent has been working out ways of regulating myself when I’m unable to take a break. Today we are enjoying some slime play (except for my sensory avoiding child who is colouring further down the table). What works for you?

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

Exactly, I generally need less noise, less social contact, less choice than the NT baseline. And what I need is a quiet space to work, a few high quality interactions, predictability and some proprioceptive stimulation 👌🏼

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

7 months

Feedback on my #AutisticBurnout recovery programme. #ActuallyAutistic #ClinicalPsychologist

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

1 year

This is an insightful thread on how depression and #AutisticBurnout are interrelated. I also discuss the difference here

What is Autistic Burnout?

Dr Alice Nicholls, Clinical Psychologist discusses what Autistic Burnout is, what causes it, whether or not it is a diagnosable condition and how it differs from depression or neurotypical burnout.

www.dralicenicholls.com

𝔸sh 🐅🍀

@ashleyann_atx

1 year

I was thinking on why depression and autistic burnout can look so similar. It seems that one turns into the other. After leaving burnout job, I had to take a month off for rest here and there. I had to reduce social contact and social engagements. I just needed to nothing.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

@10000mountains @adult_autism It’s the ability to imagine someone else’s thought processes or to ‘hold their mind in your mind’. But now I’m wondering what the dance would look like 😂

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

Researchers examined the medical records and spoke to the families of 372 people who had died by #suicide in the UK between 2014-2017. 10.8% were known to be autistic at the time of death, however a total 41.4% were identified as probably #autistic

Autism and autistic traits in those who died by suicide in England | The British Journal of...

Autism and autistic traits in those who died by suicide in England - Volume 221 Issue 5

www.cambridge.org

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

@phazelic I agree I would prefer to hyper focus. But I think I run the risk of never doing anything fun if I wait until I’ve got time to do so! Knitting or crotchet are great for this- I’m trying to get myself to pick it up even if I only have time to do a row.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

I’m deliberately not setting any New Years resolutions, new year, same struggles, same strengths, same me. I will continue on my mission to make life an easier place to be. If you are setting goals please be kind to yourself. #ActuallyAutistic #HappyNewYear #AutisticBurnOut

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

Any ideas? Im writing an article about other sources of mental health support, resources and therapy for autistic people in the UK. I’m interested in free and low cost options. I’ve already got @AupeerCIC for free peer support and @ANDTherapists for ND therapists.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

@autgeek I’ve just listened your research into the link between positive #autistic identity and quality of life at #PARC2021 this has massive relevance for many of my autistic clients who are struggling with their mental health. How can I stay up date with your study?

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

@WKentTherapists I tend to take the clients lead, if they describe something as ‘fucking awful’. I would also use those words.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

@AutisticMidwife I love this! We have so much to offer to our professions, I’ve moved away from thinking ‘we can do our jobs *despite* our neurotypes’ to ‘we have skills and insights our clients and our profession *need*’

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

6 months

@mirandamckenni1 Thank you, I was wondering if that was the answer- rather than aiming for silence… which is clearly not happening. I’ll give it a try

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

I know I am approaching #AutisticBurnOut when I start to panic about how I’m going to fit everything in, feeling overwhelmed and extra sensitive to noise.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

I wonder how many of us #ActuallyAutistic people fall into this trap!

Victoria Duncan

@SNeurotypicals

2 years

Neurodivergent screening tests will be like "do you struggle with wearing socks" and ND people will be like "nope does not describe me, for you see I have a System" and folks that is what the question is getting at

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

@irresponsibear @autismsupsoc This is a really good point thank you. I think it’s quite common for autistic people to have a threat response to sensory input and that’s even worse for people with cPTSD. Have you found anything that helps you with it?

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

@BecauseIMatter Thank you :). I think it really does give us a useful perspective and can be very powerful for our clients to see us modelling being comfortable with ourselves 👌🏼

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

“Challenging what people think autism 'looks' like is vital in order to increase understanding and challenge stereotypes.” I love this graphic.

Is that normal? prophetic pathetic poet

@SvladCjelli42

3 years

@social_parasite I've had that. As a late diagnosed person, I didn't see it myself because I was duped in believing it looked like the stereotype SBC promotes. Challenging what people think autism 'looks' like is vital in order to increase understanding and challenge stereotypes.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

Suddenly realising how I ended up with so many other #actualyautistic friends pre our diagnoses

megnb

@sureyeahthatsme

2 years

The late ID #ActuallyAutistic experience of utter shock that a medical professional took your word without batting an eye until you see your reflection in the elevator door & realize your no-make-up/wild curls/paint-stained Star Trek tee combo has you looking like a walking trope

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

You say ‘cognitive rigidity’ I say ‘commitment to a well researched and established plan which has been optimised for efficiency’

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

How do you avoid #AutisticBurnOut at #Christmas2021 ? Here’s a thread of my ideas, please add your own. 1. Manage changes in routine by noticing things that are staying the same. Where possible maintain some of your usual routines. Make plans for temporary routines in advance1/10

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

I’m at the #PARC2021 winter conference. Amazing to listen to and connect with #ActuallyAutistic researchers who are researching issues affecting #autistic people

Thriving Autistic

@thriving_autist

3 years

🌟 The Participatory Autism Research Collective 🌟 "A community for people who want to promote #Autistic involvement in #autism research" Follow #PARC2021 for some great tweets

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

@laurenancona I had an amazing maths teacher who could do this. He would take 10 minutes to explain something to the class. Then I would go and tell him I didn’t understand and he would explain it my way in a single sentance. Neither of us knew I was autistic.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

10 months

Yes! Too many Transitions between topics, projects and activities as well as physical places are a massive source of stress for so many #ActuallyAutistic people and contribute to #autisticburnout

Autjoy 🎧🐦‍⬛

@autjoy_

10 months

Major factor for #AutisticBurnout (in my case, I think) Splitting attention or switching attention too often. Without having time for meaningful focus, to heal from the multiple breaks of flow states.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

I love this! We have so much to offer to our professions, I’ve moved away from thinking ‘we can do our jobs *despite* our neurotypes’ to ‘we have skills and insights our clients and our profession *need*’

AutisticMidwife

@AutisticMidwife

3 years

Gonna tell you why you��d probably love an autistic/adhd Midwife or nurse. 1, we will communicate with you and tell you everything, and the reason why. Let’s face it, we love info gifting. 2, If you tell me you need me to do/say something in a particular way. Dude I got ya! 1/?

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

@GinaPera No, sadly I don’t think it is! Although I think the people I’ve worked/trained with know I can do my job it’s the people who don’t know me well and who might be mis/uninformed that worry me. This is partly why we need to be ‘out’ so we can start challenging these beliefs.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

7 months

I managed to do some crotchet while the baby napped, proud of myself as I often end up working when she’s sleeping

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

5 months

I felt overwhelmed by the laundry today and had to remind myself of KC Davis’ ‘slowly and gently’ mantra. if you are feeling overwhelmed in #AutisticBurnout then please remember it’s okay to go into 2024 slowly and gently. please take care.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

6 months

@brittmadrid95 Yes people rave about them but although they help with background noise I don’t think it’s worth it for the increased volume of my own stuff! Have you tried noise cancelling headphones? I’ve tried mid range ones but I can hear the noise cancelling.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

An awful representation of how many #autistic peoples’ needs go unmet with catastrophic consequences. We need better recognition and support for #autistic people. The current ‘one size fits all’ approach isn’t working for us.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

2 years

My very experienced #ActuallyAutistic colleague is running a workshop for the families (ND and NT) of young autistic adults focusing on understanding and defusing potentially explosive interactions at home:

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

6 months

Spot the typo! a sneak peak of December's Workshop in the #AutisticBurnout Recovery Membership.

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Alice Nicholls

@DrAliceNicholls

3 years

@AutisticCallum_ Exactly, not so much ‘high maintainance’ as not benefiting from the ‘maintainance’ on offer.

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