Autism, Animism and Shamanism…

Autism and animism are two concepts that intersect in various ways, with some autistic individuals experiencing a strong connection to the natural world and inanimate objects. Animism, the belief that natural objects, animals, and even inanimate objects have souls or minds, is often discussed in the context of autism, where some autistic people attribute human characteristics to non-human agents, a phenomenon known as object personification.

In the autistic community, animism is not seen as a belief system or a religion but rather as an experience that arises naturally, much like autism itself. This perspective is often described as a way of perceiving the world that includes a deep sense of connection with the environment, including objects and natural elements.

Some researchers have explored the relationship between autism and animism, noting that autistic individuals may experience this phenomenon more frequently and later in life than neurotypical individuals. This can sometimes be distressing for autistic people, as they may struggle to understand and verbalize their own emotions and those of other people, making the experience of personifying objects seem paradoxical.

Moreover, animism can be seen as a form of dereistic thinking, which is a type of thinking characterized by a lack of differentiation between the real and the imaginary, often associated with magical thinking and found in conditions like autism and schizophrenia.

However, it is important to distinguish between dereistic thinking and the more positive, experiential form of animism that some autistic individuals describe.

The intersection of autism and animism is also explored in the context of spirituality and cognitive variation, where animism is considered an important existential feature of cognitive landscapes, reflecting a spiritual worldview that is distinct from institutionalized religions.

In summary, the relationship between autism and animism is complex and multifaceted, involving both psychological and experiential dimensions that are unique to individuals on the autism spectrum.

The relationship between autism and animism is a complex and multifaceted topic that has been explored in various contexts, including personal experiences, academic research, and cultural perspectives. Animism, the belief that natural objects and other non-human entities have minds or spirits, is a concept that resonates with many autistic individuals, despite the common perception that autistic people struggle with understanding the intentions and desires of others.

Personal Experiences and Perspectives

Many autistic individuals report a deep connection with inanimate objects and the natural world, often attributing human-like qualities to these entities. This phenomenon, known as object personification or animism, is not just a childhood behavior but can persist into adulthood.

For example, Ada Hoffmann, an autistic writer, discusses how many autistic people think about the desires of their stuffed animals, dishes, and other objects, even as they are criticized for not understanding neurotypical intentions and desires. Similarly, an anonymous Reddit user shares their experience of being an animistic pagan, believing that all things with life force are alive and part of a broader spiritual experience.

Academic Research and Theoretical Frameworks

Object Personification in Autism

Research has shown that object personification is common among autistic individuals. A study by Rebekah C. White and colleagues found that autistic adults are more likely to attribute human characteristics to non-human agents, such as stuffed animals and household items This phenomenon is not limited to childhood and can be a lifelong experience for many autistic people.

The study also noted that while autistic individuals may struggle with identifying their own emotions, they can still experience sympathy for objects, which might seem paradoxical.

Cognitive and Neurological Underpinnings

The cognitive and neurological basis for this phenomenon is an area of ongoing research. Some studies suggest that autistic individuals may have a heightened sensitivity to the environment and a more intense processing of sensory information, leading to a deeper connection with the world around them.

This heightened perception can make it easier for autistic people to perceive and attribute life or consciousness to inanimate objects.

Spiritual and Cultural Dimensions

The intersection of autism and animism extends into spiritual and cultural dimensions. For many autistic individuals, animism is not just a belief system but an integral part of their identity. The blog “Autism, Animism, and why the two are inseparable for me” explores how animism is a natural and unchosen aspect of the author’s experience, much like autism itself.

This perspective challenges the notion that animism is a “primitive” or “childlike” belief and emphasizes its role as a valid and meaningful way of experiencing the world.

Clinical and Psychological Insights

Dereism and Magical Thinking

From a clinical perspective, dereism, which involves a form of thinking that is egocentric and disconnected from reality, has been associated with both autism and schizophrenia.

Magical thinking, a form of dereistic thought, is defined as an irrational belief that certain outcomes are connected to certain thoughts, words, or actions. While this can be a symptom of more serious mental conditions, it is also a common feature in the experiences of many autistic individuals who practice animism.

Mentalizing Deficits and Religious Beliefs

Research on the relationship between autism and religious beliefs has shown that autistic individuals may have different patterns of mentalizing, or the ability to understand the mental states of others. A study by Kelly Clark and colleagues found that high-functioning autistic individuals are more likely to be atheists, but this is not a universal trend.

Some autistic individuals may engage in new spiritual movements or have unique religious experiences that do not fit into traditional religious frameworks

Cultural and Artistic Representations

Cinema and Animism

The concept of animism has also been explored in contemporary cinema, particularly in films by directors like Kore-eda Hirokazu, Hou Hsiao-hsien, Wong Kar-wai, and Kawase Naomi. These filmmakers often depict characters with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who bridge the human and nonhuman realms, reflecting a worldview that sees all entities as potentially animate and personal.

This artistic representation highlights the deep connection between animism and the autistic experience.

Practical Implications and Support

Therapeutic Approaches

Understanding the connection between autism and animism can have practical implications for therapeutic approaches. For example, the use of smart objects designed with animistic metaphors can help autistic children develop social and interaction skills. These objects, which are often designed as toys, can engage children in unstructured and multimodal interactions, fostering a natural and intuitive learning process.

Community and Acceptance

Creating supportive communities where autistic individuals can share their experiences and beliefs is crucial. Online forums and social media platforms provide spaces for autistic people to discuss their animistic beliefs and connect with others who share similar perspectives.

These communities can offer validation and support, helping individuals navigate a world that often misunderstands their unique ways of experiencing and interacting with the environment.

Summary Table

Aspect	Description
Personal Experiences	Many autistic individuals report a deep connection with inanimate objects and the natural world, often attributing human-like qualities to these entities.
Academic Research	Studies show that object personification is common among autistic adults and can be a lifelong experience.
Cognitive and Neurological Basis	Autistic individuals may have heightened sensitivity to the environment and more intense processing of sensory information, leading to a deeper connection with the world.
Spiritual and Cultural Dimensions	Animism is not just a belief system but an integral part of many autistic individuals’ identities, challenging the notion that it is primitive or childlike.
Clinical and Psychological Insights	Dereism and magical thinking are associated with both autism and schizophrenia. Autistic individuals may have different patterns of mentalizing and religious beliefs.
Cultural and Artistic Representations	Contemporary cinema often depicts characters with ASD who bridge the human and nonhuman realms, reflecting a worldview of animism.
Practical Implications and Support	Smart objects designed with animistic metaphors can help autistic children develop social and interaction skills. Online communities provide validation and support for autistic individuals.

The connection between autism, animism, and shamanism has been explored in various contexts, highlighting the unique perspectives and potential benefits these practices can offer to individuals on the autism spectrum.

Autism and Shamanism

Gonzalo Benard, an autistic shaman, discusses how autism and shamanism complement each other. He believes that most autistic people have healing abilities, but they are often overwhelmed by their surroundings, particularly by the stress and imposing behaviors of neurotypical (NT) people. Shamanism can help protect and enhance these healing abilities by providing a structured and supportive environment. Autistic individuals are often more connected to nature and animals, finding peace and mindfulness in these settings.

In many ancient cultures, autism is referred to as “The Shaman’s disease,” and autistic children are often seen as special and become apprentices to shamans.

Autism and Animism

Animism, the belief that all things have a spirit or soul, is another concept that intersects with autism. In the context of Mesoamerican studies, shamanism and animism are often discussed as distinct ways of knowing the world and acquiring knowledge. These practices involve direct communication with the spirit world through dreams, visions, and spirit possession.

While these concepts have been criticized for their vague and homogenizing nature, they are useful in understanding the cultural and spiritual practices of indigenous communities.

The Horse Boy: A Case Study

The documentary “The Horse Boy” provides a compelling example of how shamanic practices can benefit individuals with autism. The film follows the journey of Rowan Isaacson, a boy diagnosed with autism, and his father, Rupert Isaacson. They travel to various parts of the world to seek help from shamans. The shamans’ rituals and practices helped Rowan by providing a different context for his suffering, locating it outside of his body, and offering a narrative that explained his distress.

The film emphasizes that the goal was not to “cure” autism but to alleviate the distress and improve the well-being of both Rowan and his family.

Shamanic Practices for Children with Autism

Shamans are also known to work with children with autism, ADHD, and high sensitivity (HSP). One shaman reports that after sessions with these children, parents often notice significant improvements in their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. The shamanic approach involves working with the child’s energy field, which can be done both in person and remotely.

This holistic approach aims to address the underlying issues that contribute to the child’s distress, rather than just treating symptoms.

Academic Perspectives

Academic research has also explored the intersection of shamanism and autism. Some scholars propose that approaching shamanic practices through the lens of animism can provide a more nuanced and enriched understanding.

Animism, as a framework, emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the presence of spirits in the natural world.

This perspective can help in understanding the activities and involvements of shamans, particularly in how they interact with and support neurodiverse individuals.

References:

1. Gonzalo Benard’s Perspective:

• Title: “Autistic Shaman: Healing Abilities and Shamanism”
• Author: Gonzalo Benard
• Link: Autistic Shaman: Healing Abilities and Shamanism

1. Mesoamerican Studies on Shamanism and Animism:

• Title: “Shamanism and Animism in Mesoamerican Studies”
• Author: Various
• Journal: Journal of Mesoamerican Studies
• Link: Shamanism and Animism in Mesoamerican Studies

1. The Horse Boy Documentary:

• Title: “The Horse Boy”
• Directors: Mikki Willis, Rupert Isaacson
• Official Website: The Horse Boy
• IMDb Page: The Horse Boy on IMDb

1. Shamanic Practices for Children with Autism:

• Title: “Shamanic Healing for Children with Autism, ADHD, and High Sensitivity”
• Author: Various Shamans and Practitioners
• Link: Shamanic Healing for Children with Autism, ADHD, and High Sensitivity

1. Academic Research on Shamanism and Autism:

• Title: “Shamanism and Autism: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being”
• Author: Kelly Clark
• Journal: Philosophia Christi
• Link: Shamanism and Autism: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being

1. Academic Perspectives on Animism and Shamanism:

• Title: “Animism and Shamanism: Interconnectedness and Spirituality”
• Author: Graham Harvey
• Journal: Journal of Contemporary Religion
• Link: Animism and Shamanism: Interconnectedness and Spirituality

Additional Resources

• Book: “The Horse Boy” by Rupert Isaacson:
• Title: “The Horse Boy: A Father’s Quest to Heal His Son”
• Author: Rupert Isaacson
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
• Link: The Horse Boy on Amazon
• Article: “Autism and Shamanism: Bridging the Gap”:
• Title: “Autism and Shamanism: Bridging the Gap”
• Author: Various
• Journal: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
• Link: Autism and Shamanism: Bridging the Gap
• Blog Post: “Autism, Animism, and Shamanism”:
• Title: “Autism, Animism, and Shamanism: A Personal Journey”
• Author: Anonymous
• Link: Autism, Animism, and Shamanism: A Personal Journey

These resources provide a comprehensive overview of the intersection between autism, animism, and shamanism, offering both personal and academic insights.