Psychedelics and Autism
Hallucinogens help people on the autism spectrum navigate social anxiety.
Psychedelics help me heal emotional traumas. As a neuro-divergent person, though, I have to navigate this space differently than my neuro-typical friends.
Along with great insights, psychedelic trips can highlight colors, shapes, sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. For a sober person on the spectrum, sensory overload is real. Imagine what happens when every sense is being amplified!
A psychedelic experience can introduce new ideas, different solutions, creative designs, original thoughts, strange views, unfamiliar interpretations, and unusual feelings. This alone is a lot to take in. An autistic brain, however, may be forced to choose between these novel experiences and simply processing/enduring the intense sensory overload that psychedelic trips can occasion.
For many people, group psychedelic sessions can be a bonding experience. The connections felt, the empathy shared, and the camaraderie of an intense shared experience, often are sought by members of the general public. But, let autistic me paint a picture of these kinds of ceremonies.
You enter into a new space, maybe someone’s home, or a clearing outside. Burning sage greets you. Candles flicker. Music, vibrating crystal bowls, bells, and drumming surround you. Strings of lights and colored scarves embellish the space.
Attendees take a spot on the floor, laying out yoga mats, pillows, blankets, and water bottles. These are often strangers, sharing a common experience. During the ceremony, people call out, whimper, sob, or laugh. There can be vomiting, belching, singing, clapping, dancing, and yoga poses.
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A neuro-typical person takes it all in. Each of these elements adds to the overall experience. The smell is intense and beautiful. The vibration of the instruments can vibrate a person’s soul. A neuro-typical person connects to those vibrations, allowing themselves to be transported with the sound. The colors and lights add to the ambiance. The orange slice offered tastes sweeter. The eagle feathers tickling an arm or back adds welcomed intensity. Many demand more, more, more.
A neuro-atypical person, however, can be overwhelmed by the smells, vibrations, colors, lights, and sounds. Strangers in a room calling out, crying, or even laughing might make a neuro-diverse person feel unsafe. Every element of new might add a layer of unknown that becomes a distraction from the plant medicine.
If you are on the spectrum, but hallucinogens call to you, here are some things to consider as you move into the psychedelic space:
Limit the unknowns.
Hold a session in your home or other familiar space.
Limit the number of people in your ceremony. Consider tripping solo, with your guide. If you want more, include people you trust. Strangers can amplify your social anxiety.
Avoid intense smells, sights, sounds, tastes and temperature fluctuations. Some of each of these things might be welcomed, but have your guide test them one-at-a-time throughout the ceremony.
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Turn on familiar music. Test out new-to-you music, but be comfortable going back to the familiar, if you find the new music disconcerting.
Test your preferences. I like a few candles but not lights.
Plan to taste some things, but, again, seek out the familiar - limit or avoid anything new.
Being outside can introduce too many unknowns. I find I have a difficult time relaxing into the medicine when outdoors.
Have an eye-mask on hand. If visuals become too overwhelming, you will be ready.
If you want to try a group session, talk with your guide in advance. Determine what things you can do to find escapes, if you find yourself overwhelmed. And understand what things your guide is willing to forgo to accommodate your needs.
When I surround myself with familiar people, spaces, and things - when I limit assaults on my senses - I find I can better relax into the experience with comfort and ease.
Of course, every person on the spectrum will react to each of these sensory issues in a individualized way. Being aware of possible bumps in the road may help each person own the space, avoid the distractions, and make the experience as enjoyable as possible.
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