Is There Any Connection Between Therianthropy and Autism?

Being a therian comes with its own set of challenges. Many in the community stick to keeping their animal instincts under wraps so no one can bully or make fun of the lifestyle. The problem is this behavior leads a lot of researchers, especially in psychology, to try and find a correlation between therianthropy and autism or trauma.

It’s important to note that everyone is different. Whether you have an autism diagnosis, mental health challenge, or simply unsure about your personal identity is really no one else’s business. The Therian Guide aims to inform readers and keep the conversation going about all aspects of the therian community.

We’re going to attack this question from a sensitive and welcoming space where everyone feels supported.

What is Therianthropy?

First, let’s start with what is a therian. Different theriotypes are used to help people better identify with non-human animal instincts on a psychological, emotional, mental, or spiritual level. A therian could be someone therian shifting from human one moment to a calico cat or wolf the next.

Therians know they are human, but feel more comfortable experiencing the animal side of behavior. This is very different from being a furry where you put on a persona by dressing up or lycanthropy associated with werewolves. It is more about how you feel and identify. That is why many in the community wear tails, enjoy quadrobics, or write about their experiences in a therian journal.

What is Autism?

Again, the Therian Guide does not assert being an expert in the field of autism at all. A very basic explanation of autism is someone with a neurodevelopmental condition that influences how they communicate, process sensory input, and engage with the rest of the world.

ASD (autism spectrum disorder) comes in all kinds of physical and mental traits. You might come across someone who exhibits traits like stimming. This is where they use repetitive movements or sounds to feel comfortable in social situations.

We should also note that ASD comes with many unique benefits. Those who are diagnosed with autism often have way more empathy for others. They can better focus on passions and have innate abilities in creativity that other therians would love to enjoy.

Therianthropy and Autism Shared Behaviors and Differences

Around 1 in 36 children are identified with some form of autism. Adults have about a 2.21% rate of being autistic. That is a significant number of people across the world with ASD, and there are no current tracking numbers on the volume of therians in that specific community.

However, there has been some research stating you’ll find more autistic people in the therian community than the general population. The reality is there are a lot of shared behaviors between the two that probably explain the connection.

• Communication Styles: Being a part of therianthropy and autism often involves communicating in ways outside the “norm.” It is common for an autistic person to meow or growl as a way to express themselves or convey a feeling. That is pretty similar to how therians also feel and express their instincts.
• Sensory Preferences: Therians and those with ASD seek out sensory experiences that calm or stimulate the mind. This can range from sitting alone in an enclosed space to sticking to certain postures while walking that looks a lot like quadrobics.

Of course, the most significant connection in mental health between therianthropy and autism is the social challenges. Both communities don’t feel “right” in a social setting. Instead of adopting social “rules,” we as therians seek out behavior closer to our theriotypes. A good reason why people wear the therian symbol is to identify others who share these traits.

Regardless, the only real difference is the duration. A therian shift is episodic. It has a definitive beginning and end. Autism is different because those with ASD have a lifelong diagnosis. They must learn how to go about life with these traits instead of only having a few shifts daily.

What About Trauma and Mental Health?

Therianthropy is not a result of trauma. Autism isn’t tied to trauma. However, both therianthropy and autism may have a higher risk of trauma. Being therian means putting yourself in more vulnerable situations. In many ways, wearing a therian mask could be a way to shield yourself from some past memory you don’t want to face.

While the jury is still out on the psychology, trauma is a real experience. Those with ASD are more vulnerable because their brains develop in unique and beautiful ways. Whenever autism leads to more empathy or confusion, the risk of trauma goes up.

It sucks because trauma and therianthropy or autism face public stigmas. Bullying, misunderstandings, and not getting support from crucial family members all lead to anxiety, depression, and isolation.

Whether you or your loved ones have autism or theriotypes, you want to build a strong and supportive community. A safe space free from judgment is crucial to your mental well-being. That means a place where neurodiversity and therianthropy are embraced for their many benefits and perspectives.

Fostering Inclusivity in Therian Communities

At the Therian Guide, we always want to cultivate a space where everyone feels welcome regardless of any aspect. Talking about mental health, autism, and therians is a sensitive topic. Having a place where these conversations can occur without fear or judgment is crucial to building a strong group of people.

If you want to have a conversation with neurodivergent therians, try to:

• Encourage clear communication with direct and unambiguous language through one-on-one and group discussions.
• Offer quiet areas that minimize stimuli so those with sensory needs can adjust more easily.
• Encourage open dialogue about neurodiversity where education and gathering information are the priority so empathy is fostered.
• Let people participate in their unique way. Not everyone wants to engage in this topic.

Stick to the golden rule whenever possible. Treat people the way you would want to be treated. That is how you help all community members feel valued and welcomed.

Final Thoughts

There is way more research that has to happen about any connection between therianthropy and autism. For the time being, there is some evidence suggesting a higher concentration of those with ASD exploring the therian world.

The best thing we can do is create a space where all are welcomed, and understanding is celebrated. The therian journey to our non-human instincts is a personal one. We should do our best to make sharing that journey as relaxing and fun as possible so people feel empowered to be whoever or whatever they wish.

If you would like to learn more about the Therian Guide, feel free to leave a comment below, share this article, or drop us a line on our contact page. Thank you for reading!

FAQs

Can someone be both autistic and therian?

Of course! People come from all backgrounds into the therianthropy community. There are plenty of overlapping individuals with ASD who enjoy being therian.

Is therianthropy a form of autism?

No, therianthropy is a personal identity where people feel close to their animalistic natures and behaviors.

How can I support someone who is both autistic and a therian?

Be respectful, listen without judgment, and provide a safe space for them to express themselves.