Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello all,I was wondering if anyone was aware of any link between Autism Spectrum and Seasonal Affective Disorder?I was only diagnosed with SAD a week or two ago, but when i thought back on past winters - i realised i seem to be affected more regularly by sensory overloads, or require frequent stimming during the winter time. Whereas in summer, i experience overloads very rarely and stimming is required very little.Does anyone else feel the same way at all?
Quick look at SAD indicates links to Melatonin and seratonin.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Melatonin is often helpful with sleep/internal clocks for autistic children (Adults too ?) and I guess that seratonin is related (not sure what is the causal factor) in depression since SSRIs are commonly used in depression.
For melatonin vs ASD see http://community.autism.org.uk/search/node/melatonin
It all suggests differences in the wiring/chemistry of autistic minds.
My guess is that some people with marginal, chemically based depression are pushed over an edge by winter so these may be helped by SSRIs, other people have other chemical differences and need extra melatonin. Autistic people can fall into either or both sets of people who would benefit from one of these treatments. Autistic people often have depression for other reasons that don't respond much to meds.