What is alexithymia and how does it relate to autism?
Tip: not being able to articulate emotions is not the same as not having them
Sometimes, topics arise that seem superficially familiar but when you try to explain them, you realize you’re not really clear in your understanding. Has this ever happened to you? It happens to me!
In our workshop session last week for Neurotypical Partners, for example, the topic of alexithymia came up. I thought it might be helpful to take a few minutes and discuss it again for anyone who may be curious about it.
What is alexithymia?
The word alexithymia is based on Greek roots that suggest problems with emotions. The simplest way to understand alexithymia is to imagine that you have a lot of emotions swirling around inside. Sometimes, you can sense them because you can feel that your body is giving you information about something that is changing within you (what we call somatic information). This is called interoception, which is your ability to perceive your own internal state. Maybe your jaw is clenching. Maybe it seems as if your stomach is fluttering. Maybe you feel a burning se…