A recent article from Embrace Autism examined autism and hoarding. Hoarding is a psychological condition where people have great difficulty discarding possessions, leading to excessive clutter that causes distress and impairs daily functioning. It differs from autism in that most autistics don't hoard, although some similarities exist like behavioural inflexibility and finding comfort in possessions. Reasons offered in the article for hoarding include the emotional significance of objects, cognitive difficulties like memory and decision-making problems, and lack of insight and motivation to address the issues caused. They suggest supporting hoarders through a harm reduction approach - avoiding confrontation while mitigating risks - like organizing possessions or gently helping to remove some clutter. They also note that therapies like CBT can help address thought patterns around hoarding. The aim, they say, is to provide compassion and strengthen motivation to make positive changes.
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Autism & hoarding?
Autism & hoarding?
Autism & hoarding?
A recent article from Embrace Autism examined autism and hoarding. Hoarding is a psychological condition where people have great difficulty discarding possessions, leading to excessive clutter that causes distress and impairs daily functioning. It differs from autism in that most autistics don't hoard, although some similarities exist like behavioural inflexibility and finding comfort in possessions. Reasons offered in the article for hoarding include the emotional significance of objects, cognitive difficulties like memory and decision-making problems, and lack of insight and motivation to address the issues caused. They suggest supporting hoarders through a harm reduction approach - avoiding confrontation while mitigating risks - like organizing possessions or gently helping to remove some clutter. They also note that therapies like CBT can help address thought patterns around hoarding. The aim, they say, is to provide compassion and strengthen motivation to make positive changes.
The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.