Autism Research Bias and the Right Anterior Insula

2025 CRITICAL UPDATE: I've since learned that Wim Hof breathing can trigger seizures in people with epilepsy or certain neurological conditions. I was unknowingly experiencing seizure activity during this practice. Approximately 20-30% of autistic people have epilepsy (often undiagnosed). Please consult a neurologist before trying extreme breathing practices, especially if you're autistic.The research insights about the right anterior insula and social rewards still stand, but DISREGARD the Wim Hof recommendations. What I thought was 'healing' was actually inducing seizure states.If you've tried Wim Hof and experienced: hallucinations, altered consciousness, 'sensory overstimulation times a million,' time distortion, or dissociation - please get screened for epilepsy. In this episode, I talk about the many biases against autism research, and I do a deep dive explanation of how the right anterior insula ties into orbitofrontal cortex, along with some inspiring stories of healing and rewiring the brain. You are enough already as you are in this moment.Do not believe the many biased researchers who tell you that you're deficient. Yes, autistic people struggle.  Yes, sometimes life can be harder for us than it is for others.But you have the power to be the best version of yourself and you're not bound by the way others perceive you.