Some Buddhist practices may help autistic individuals with obsessive thoughts, but approaches must be personalized and respectful for what works for every autistic person.
Many autistic people often have obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Some say these thoughts repeat and grow, causing a lot of suffering. They look for answers in Buddhism, which suggests that obsessive thoughts start with sensory experiences. These experiences lead to feelings of pleasure or pain, which then become perceptions and thoughts, causing more thoughts and inner stress.
A key part of this process is how people relate everything to themselves. Some think we try to attract pleasant things and avoid painful ones, which makes us believe we are a separate “self” trying to stay in control. This self-focused thinking is behind obsessions and compulsions.
Some coaches believe Buddhism offers practices to reduce obsessive thoughts in autistic people. They suggest meditation, especially focusing on breathing, to calm the mind. Other practices include developing kindness, letting go of desires, and being content.
These practices may help some autistic people have fewer obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. A helpful tip is to observe and label these thoughts from a distance. The idea is that when we notice a thought, we can recognize and let it go.
As an autistic blogger, I want to point out some important things. Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors can be very different for each person. What works for one person might not work for another. For some autistic people, these behaviors provide comfort and stability.
Also, meditation and mindfulness can be hard for autistic people. Sitting still and focusing can be tough for those with sensory sensitivities or constant thoughts. We need approaches that fit the unique needs of autistic individuals. Observing and labeling thoughts can help, but it’s not always easy. Thinking about thinking (metacognition) can be complex, especially with communication challenges. Advice must be tailored to each autistic person’s abilities.
Many texts view obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors as problems. But for many autistic people, these behaviors are part of their identity and how they function. It’s important to reduce suffering while respecting the unique experiences of autistic people. Buddhist practices aren’t always the right choice, as come from a specific culture and religion, which may not work for everyone. Some autistic people might benefit more from strategies that come from their own context.
While some Buddhist ideas, adapted to our culture, can offer useful insights, they should be critically examined and adapted to the needs of autistic people. Understanding and respecting all autistic people must be the focus of any approach to improving mental health and well-being. It’s important to balance reducing suffering with respecting the unique ways autistic individuals experience and interact with the world.
The European Autist 