Intense World Theory

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Is Intense World Theory a better explanation for the AS brain than Theory of Mind and other theories? Can you relate to Intense World?

I do, but I'm still skeptical.

PS: Do not compare the Intense Wold Theory with other single theories. They explain different things.

Last edited by neobluex on 31 May 2014, 3:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I definitely relate to it.

Hmm I have gone through phases where I have believed in this theory, but currently I remain unconvinced.

I have largely outgrown my extreme oversensitivity to my surroundings, and yet I still feel firmly on the autism spectrum. Unlike sensitivities, I don't believe that this is something I can ever grow out of. I think about things and understand things in a fundamentally different way from what is "normal", and always will.

It seems to me therefore, that the different ways of processing patterns in the autistic brain are what causes sensory sensitivity - not vice versa!

In simple words: the autistic brain causes sensory difficulties. Sensory difficulties do not cause the autistic brain (IMHO)

This is very succinct and, I think, accurate from my own experience. I would add that as an adult, my sensory difficulties are much more pronounced when I am stressed and my processing starts to fail me.

I should also observe that in my experience, the "Intense World" could also refer to the way that I cannot filter things like emotions (my own or others' ). I can walk into a room and be overwhelmed by every emotional "vibe" that is present (which is why I hate parties--every person there is feeling something different, and it is too much for me to sort out each feeling and respond appropriately on an individual level). So I think the theory is interesting, and deserves more discussion, especially by people with ASDs.

I wonder if stendahl's syndrome is a subset of whatever it is that constitutes "intense world" for a lot of us?

It's a spectrum and the idea of Autisms is gaining currency. So IMHO for some autisics Theory of mind is the dominant cause while for others Intense World is the dominant cause.

Can you describe this if possible? How do you feel when you feel every emotional "vibe"? Is it a bodily sensation? Can you feel the other person's emotional state in general?

I've always been sceptical of the idea to be honest, at-least as applied to every autistic person. I have sensory issues with some textures and tastes, not so much with anything else. I don't really see how sensory issues could cause my immature personality, or my lack of ability to connect to most people... I feel like I ultimately am just missing the ability to socialise in a regular way, not that I'm being distracted by anything-else.

That makes sense.

Fact: the world is a very intense place for me

Fact: I don't know anything about the theory, but the world is very intense.

Here is an article about it: http://www.wrongplanet.net/modules.php? ... =0&thold=0

Thank you. What I've read so far is interesting.

You're welcome. And I also thought it was interesting.

I could see how it applies. As a child learning about the world and its harshness was painful to me, and I do have some odd sensory feelings, like writing with chalk is practically painful to me or even thinking about touching certain surfaces.

Yes! it actually feels (not just "sounds") almost like when someone is scratching a board with their nails.