Exploring Inside Out: A Unique Perspective Through Asperger's

The Pixar animated film Inside Out captures the intricate workings of human emotions, depicting their struggles, triumphs, and all the nuances that come with feeling. But what if this same concept were applied to the internal world of someone with Asperger's?

Many people with autism, including those with Asperger's, possess a rich array of emotions. Despite common misconceptions, autism doesn't limit emotional experience; rather, it transforms how these emotions are processed and expressed. Thus, to truly understand the emotional landscape of an individual with Asperger's, we must delve beyond simple surface-level descriptions.

Autism and Social Interaction vs. Emotions

Autism primarily impacts social interaction rather than emotions. Individuals on the autism spectrum can still feel full gamut of emotions because they, like everyone else, are human beings. They express their emotions through unique behaviors, such as stimming or meltdowns, which are often triggered by fear, anger, or overwhelming stimuli.

For example, someone with Asperger's might stim out of excitement, act with disgust when faced with a highly disliked food, or have intense emotional reactions during social interactions. These behaviors are not indicators of a lack of emotion, but rather, a different way of experiencing and processing emotions.

A Deeper Look into the Mind of an Aspie

Imagine viewing the internal world of someone with Asperger's through a metaphorical lens. In this narrative, we would see the character representing fear as a transformative monster, anxiety as a shadowy figure, and sadness as a weeping form. The various emotions, each with its own distinct personality, would come alive in the most vivid of ways.

In a hypothetical scenario, the character of Fear might manifest as a towering creature with menacing eyes and sharp claws, capable of changing shape to adapt to its surroundings. When this form of Fear is active, it would leave a trail of anxiety and bedlam in its wake. This anxiety would be a phantom figure, ever-present but difficult to pin down, silently following behind, ready to pounce at a moment's notice. Similarly, Sadness could be depicted as a sorrowful figure, its head hung low, weeping tears of various colors, symbolizing the intensity and complexity of emotions like grief and longing.

The Storytelling of Autistic Experience

To truly grasp the emotional life of an individual with Asperger's, it's essential to understand their experiences through a variety of perspectives. For this reason, I have created a YouTube channel called "My ASD Journey," where I conduct interview segments with both neurotypical (NT) and non-definitive (ND) guests. On this platform, we delve into the often hidden aspects of life on the autism spectrum, revealing the genuine human emotions that underlie these experiences.

The channel features both individuals with Asperger's and those without, sharing their stories, insights, and perspectives. Through these interviews, we aim to shine a light on the complexity of emotional experience for individuals on the spectrum, as well as provide a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by this community.

Neurochemical Perspective

From a more biomedical perspective, emotions can be heavily influenced by neurochemicals. Imagine if Inside Out characters had access to neurotransmitters as tools. In this hypothetical scenario, anxiety could arm itself with a little gun containing neurotransmitters from medication, symbolizing the role that medication plays in managing certain aspects of an individual's emotional life. This would illustrate the brain chemistry and pharmacology associated with emotional regulation, making it relatable and understandable for a broader audience.

Conclusion

The world of emotions, as depicted in Inside Out, offers a powerful lens to explore the internal lives of individuals with Asperger's and autism more broadly. By delving into their unique emotional experiences, we can gain a deeper understanding and empathy for this community. Through storytelling, interviews, and a nuanced understanding of both social interaction and neurochemical processes, we can bring to life the complexity and richness of the autistic emotional experience.