Post #1357307
2026-04-11 06:38 UTC
Autism often involves this hyper–hypo pattern; very intense experience in some areas, and very reduced experience in others.
But hypo-responsiveness can at times be a response to feeling too much, and (instinctively, as a survival mechanism) withdrawing in self-defence.
7/10
Replies (2)
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@KatyElphinstone@mas.to 2026-04-11 06:39
There are theories that speak to this. The ‘Intense World Theory’ points to heightened sensitivity and reactivity; and many autistic people will recognise something in that immediately. 8/10
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@olena@mementomori.social 2026-04-11 07:17
@KatyElphinstone this! I sometimes kinda enter a ‘shielded mode’ that tones down all the feelings if I have some overly intense income. Like, when I have bleeding sores on my feet and keep walking 5km more without noticing it further, but also without hearing the ambient noise, without seeing details, without reacting to the people talking to me etc - because I kinda tuned down the sensitivity to not feel the pain, but I can’t tune down only one thing at a time, I’m doing it with most of the sensory input