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Alexythemia and Aspergers

Hope

Alexythemia is a neurological condition where the person cannot readily access emotional lexicon, has a poor ability to express emotion and to identify with the feelings of other people, and is generally emotionally immature. There is a website on this subject (type alexythemia into Google), and it contains an Alexythemia quiz/quotient. I scored very high alexythemia traits on this quiz, but I was interested to know how Alexythemia and aspergers converge. Alexythemia is a condition in its own right, and it usually, but not always, coexists with Asperger's syndrome, to a greater or lesser degree. There is also an impoverished fantasy world, and thinking tends to be practical, operational, or utilitarian in its nature, as opposed to feelings based. However, quite a few people with AS have a very rich, but atypical, imagination and fantasy world, so clearly not all people with AS are extremely alexythemic. Any thoughts?

  • I find listening to my feelings inside as my body stops the mind and anxiety leaking out into emotional unconsciousness. You could try that, just listen inside your body and feel feelings. Innocent without trying to feel, it is acceptance relationship of now.

  • I like your humour, autismtwo! Made me laugh.

    Regarding empathy, mine has grown over the years, but it is context specific. I only care in certain situations that I can identify with, for example if someone is in pain, or is going through something that I find emotionally resonant. I also struggle with understanding my own emotions, which often assume a bodily form.

  • They both start with the letter A so you would have AA, that is a good commercial rating the UK would like today. Wink

    Seriously, it is a good question, but beyond me. Maybe an Alexythemia forum could shed some light on the matter or even your doctor, if you write to him.

    I think that you are trying to work out your emotional intelligence ? If your EQ grows with therapy or guidance it is Aspergers, if not, it may be Alexythemia.