Shame — the belief that you are fundamentally flawed or unworthy — is one of the most powerful drivers of asperger's syndrome and the primary barrier to seeking help.
How Shame Maintains Asperger's Syndrome
- Shame drives concealment of asperger's syndrome, preventing the help that would reduce it
- Self-blame for asperger's syndrome creates additional psychological burden
- Shame spirals can trigger and worsen asperger's syndrome episodes
- Shame isolates — and isolation is a primary asperger's syndrome amplifier
Shame vs. Guilt in Asperger's Syndrome
Shame ('I am bad/flawed because I have asperger's syndrome'): Drives more asperger's syndrome
Guilt ('My behavior related to asperger's syndrome hurt someone'): Can be productive
Therapy often helps shift from shame to guilt and then to self-compassion.
Building Shame Resilience for Asperger's Syndrome
Brené Brown's shame resilience framework: recognize shame triggers, practice critical awareness, reach out, and share your story — all applicable to asperger's syndrome shame.