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Understanding the Window of Tolerance: A Guide to Nervous System Regulation
When autistic yoga therapist Elizabeth Walunas is inside her window of tolerance, she feels a sense of quiet in her gut. She can think and act in a goal-oriented way and handle stimulation sustainably. Walunas knows she’s left her window of tolerance when she gets “zingy and jumpy and twisty sensations of anxiety” in her stomach.
The window of tolerance varies from person to person, and everyone reacts differently outside of it. But the truth is, many of us spend a lot of time outside of our windows. This is especially true for neurodivergent adults, which is why cries of “calm down!” and “just relax!” don’t always land for our nervous systems.
By understanding the window of tolerance, we can learn how to better manage stress. In this article, we’ll explore what happens in our minds and bodies when we’re inside or outside our windows of tolerance, how to recognize when we’ve left our zones of tolerance, and what to do in both the short-term and long-term.
Echolalia in Adults: Repetition, Meaning, and Misunderstanding
Jonathan, a 37-year-old autistic adult, has experienced echolalia for as long as he can remember. “Sometimes, it’s a sudden flash and I’ll blurt out a random quote or say something in a funny voice,” he says of his own experience.
Echolalia in adults is the act of repeating another person’s words, phrases, or vocalizations, either immediately or later on. It “is most commonly associated with autism, where it often serves as a meaningful way to process language or regulate,” explains Dr. Hannah Jones, a licensed clinical psychologist with Prosper Health.
With that said, echolalia in adults is expressed in many ways. In this article, we’ll explore what echolalia looks like, why it happens, and when it may be cause for concern. We’ll also discuss how it relates to autism and other forms of neurodiversity.
Selective Mutism in Adults: What It Is, Why It Happens, and What Actually Helps
Imagine a young woman sitting in the cafeteria at work. In between bites of her sandwich and sips of her coffee, she has a spirited, eager conversation with her closest friend. All of this light, peaceful energy ends when a colleague sits next to her and asks how her weekend went.
Suddenly, she’s paralyzed, and as much as she tries, she can’t get any words out. The words are just blocked. As an adult with selective mutism, this is a familiar yet distressing experience.
Many people associate selective mutism with childhood, but it can both persist and start in adulthood, confirms Rachel Loftin, chief clinical officer at Prosper Health. Being unable to speak can feel frustrating, confusing, and alienating. This is especially true in a world where many people don’t understand selective mutism.
In this article, we’ll explain selective mutism in adults, what may contribute to it, and how it differs from (and overlaps with) social anxiety and autism. We will also explore coping strategies, treatment, and support options.
