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Autism or cPTSD? Which?

Damojo

I have a suspicion I have complex PTSD, but I don't really know if some of my traits are just plain old Autistic traits and not cPTSD at all. How would I know the difference?

For example, I feel extremely aware of people in the space around me (in public or private). I am constantly trying to predict how they will move or act or interact and trying to plan how I will deal with all possibilities, particularly if they might do something irritating, or something against the "rules". A lot of the time, I feel threatened (anxious rather than terrified) and under siege (from the relentlessness of it all), particularly if I have no easy means of escape (perhaps I'm masking and trying to stick it out to appear "normal"). It is exhausting and really stressful. Is that Autistic hyperawareness, or cPTSD hypervigilance, or just overthinking, or something else entirely?

Does anyone else have similar experiences and do you know how they might relate to Autism vs. cPTSD?

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  • in reply to Damojo

    Hyper vigilance when out and about, the way I clock certain people or situations and am aware of my escape routes, whats to hand that could be weaponised, making sure my hands are free so as I can fight if attacked.

    Time slows down and I can move really fast, I've caught a cup falling from the table, I twist my body to minimise damage when falling down, I've learnt how to roll and how to land. It's hard to explain as these things are instinctive now and whilst I don't get triggered very often now and can deal with memories better, some situations will set me off and I'll be on edge all day.