Do NTs Have Tense Interactions with Other Non-Autistics?

Autistic individuals are often the subject of discussion in terms of social challenges and interactions. However, it's important to recognize that non-autistic individuals (NTs) can also face tense interactions and misunderstandings in their relationships. This phenomenon is not unique to the autistic community; any group perceived as different from the dominant social group can experience similar challenges.

Persecution of Different Groups

Many individuals or groups face discrimination, harassment, and abuse because they are perceived as different. For instance, Black people are frequently targeted by white individuals, LGBTQ individuals by homophobes, and religious minorities by fundamentalist extremists. Even people from different political groups often face hostility from their opponents. Women experience such abuse from men, and vice versa, even among close relationships. The list of groups facing such treatment extends far beyond this, including those facing discrimination due to religious beliefs, economic status, and more.

Emotional Tensions and Misunderstandings

Emotional tensions and misunderstandings arise not only due to significant cultural or ideological differences but also from smaller, more subtle disparities. For example, people from different schools, sports teams, with different accents, or from different socioeconomic backgrounds can find themselves in conflicts due to these small differences. These discrepancies can strain relationships and lead to communication difficulties.

Human Nature and Othering

The concept of 'us vs. them' is deeply ingrained in human psychology. Othering, the process of categorizing others as different or less worthy, has existed throughout human history. This tendency extends beyond just human societies and can be observed in various forms of competition, whether for resources, power, or control. The underlying mindset is rooted in the belief that anyone who is not part of 'our' group is inherently less trustworthy, undeserving, and unlikely to have 'our' best interests at heart.

Emotional Addiction and Hijacking

Misunderstandings and tensions can often be attributed to three key psychological phenomena:

Emotional Addiction: Strong emotional reactions can become highly addictive. Even when these reactions are unhealthy and negative, the rush of emotion can be invigorating, leading individuals to engage in behavior that may be hurtful or insulting just for the sake of experiencing that emotional high.

Emotional Hijacking: Numerous studies have shown that when people become overly emotional, their cognitive reasoning often deteriorates. Videos demonstrating this phenomenon highlight how individuals involved in heated arguments later express shock and dismay at their own actions and reasoning during the argument.

Habitual Formation: Combining the addictive nature of negative emotions with the hijacking of cognitive reasoning can lead to a cycle where NTs begin to insult each other routinely. This behavior can be both minor and major, serving as a way to boost internal positive reinforcement systems.

Conclusion

While the experiences of NTs in tense interactions may not be as extensively discussed as those of autistic individuals, they are nonetheless real and significant. Understanding and addressing these challenges can help foster more empathetic and inclusive environments for everyone. It's important to recognize the commonalities between different groups facing similar challenges, whether it be due to being perceived as different, small differences, or significant cultural divides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can NTs face similar challenges as autistic individuals in terms of misunderstandings and interactions?

A: Absolutely. NTs can also experience significant misunderstandings and tense interactions due to perceived differences, small disparities, or significant cultural or ideological divides.

Q: Are emotional addiction, emotional hijacking, and habitual formation the only reasons for tense interactions among NTs?

A: No, while these phenomena play a significant role, there are many other factors. These include societal pressures, personal biases, and the general human tendency to devalue those perceived as different from "us."

Keywords

Non-Autistic, Interactions, Tension, Insight, Communication