In today’s world, conversations around mental health and neurodivergence are more vital than ever. Cassy, a bold and inspiring figure, has brought new dimensions to these discussions by sharing her personal story of homelessness, survival, and the complexities of living with multiple diagnoses.
Diagnosed in Survival Mode: A Misunderstood Reality
During a period of profound instability, while homeless and living in survival mode, Cassy was diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The diagnosis of ASPD, often stigmatised as “psychopathy,” sparked both controversy and misunderstanding, particularly when Cassy shared her journey on social media.
Determined to fully understand herself, Cassy sought a second opinion. The new diagnosis maintained her autism spectrum condition but replaced ASPD with Alexithymia—a condition characterised by difficulty identifying and expressing emotions. This re-evaluation acknowledged that her initial diagnosis likely reflected her trauma and the coping mechanisms she developed during a time of extreme hardship.
Psychopathy: A Complex Continuum
One of the most misunderstood aspects of Cassy’s journey is the nature of psychopathy itself. Psychopathy exists on a broad spectrum, ranging from extreme cases like serial killers and terrorists at the high end, to individuals like Cassy, who experience emotional numbness and primarily feel negative emotions.
Cassy has openly spoken about how stigmatised the label of psychopathy is, noting that much of this stigma arises from clinical evaluations of psychopaths in prison environments. This has created a skewed perception of the condition, associating it almost exclusively with dangerous or criminal behaviour.
However, Cassy’s reality is very different. As she explains, “I don’t feel the need to manipulate people—I feel the need to fit in, in to society.” Her statement challenges the stereotype of psychopathy as inherently malicious or manipulative, instead highlighting the struggle to belong in a world that often misunderstands her emotional differences.
Cassy also acknowledges, “It’s hard for me to make Machiavellian traits advantageous.” This insight reflects her struggle with traits often associated with manipulation and strategy. While she may possess some of these traits—like emotional detachment or logical thinking—she finds it challenging to use them in a way that benefits her.
Why This is Challenging for Cassy
•Lack of Manipulative Intent: Cassy does not wish to manipulate others, which contradicts one of the defining aspects of Machiavellianism. Instead, her focus is on belonging and fitting into society.
•Social Stigma: Traits like emotional detachment or strategic thinking are often misunderstood, making them difficult to apply positively without raising suspicion or judgement.
•Conflict with Personal Goals: Using these traits might feel inauthentic or counterproductive to her desire for honest relationships and societal inclusion.
Finding Strength in Logic and Strategy
Cassy could channel the more constructive aspects of these traits by:
1.Applying Logic to Problem-Solving: Using her rational thinking to navigate personal and professional challenges.
2.Setting Healthy Boundaries: Strategically managing relationships to maintain her emotional well-being.
3.Advocacy and Awareness: Sharing her perspective to dismantle stereotypes about psychopathy and neurodivergence.
Her experiences highlight the complexity of navigating personality traits often misunderstood by society, while maintaining her authenticity and values.
The Role of Trauma in Shaping the Brain
Cassy’s story also highlights the critical importance of understanding how trauma affects the brain and body. When someone endures prolonged trauma, such as homelessness, sexual assault, or abuse, the amygdala—the brain’s fear centre—can become hyperactive, leading to heightened emotional reactivity or shutdown. Additionally, the central nervous system becomes dysregulated, contributing to chronic stress responses like hypervigilance or emotional numbing.
Understanding these biological changes is key to addressing neurodivergence and emotional regulation issues. Healing can happen, but it requires a multifaceted approach. Therapy, self-acceptance, and safe psychological spaces are essential. By creating environments where individuals feel supported and understood, their brains can begin to rewire, promoting resilience and emotional healing. For Cassy, finding this safety and acceptance has been a pivotal part of her journey.
Emotional Awareness and Advocacy
Cassy is remarkably self-aware, despite her inability to emotionally connect in the way that neurotypicals do. This self-awareness fuels her value for honesty in relationships, which she holds in high regard. However, being so transparent has not always been easy. In one instance, her honesty backfired in a personal relationship, highlighting the challenges of navigating connections while living with emotional differences.
Her openness about her struggles has made her a powerful advocate for those with emotional regulation issues and neurodivergence. Cassy’s story helps dismantle the stigma surrounding conditions like ASPD and alexithymia, creating space for a more compassionate and inclusive understanding of mental health.
Cassy shares that living with emotional deficits often requires masking to navigate social situations. She explains: “I have to put on a mask of sanity,” and goes on to say, “if I were to talk in my natural monotone voice, no one would want to be around me.” This poignant observation reveals the social toll of living with emotional and neurodivergent challenges, like alexithymia, dystonia, and psychopathy.
Redefining Neurodivergence and Strength
Cassy’s lived experience serves as a powerful reminder that neurodivergence is not one-size-fits-all. Her emotional reality, where she feels only negative emotions or numbness, is a stark contrast to how many neurotypical individuals experience life. Yet, her ability to face each day with resilience and purpose is a testament to her inner strength.
Her story also challenges traditional narratives around psychopathy, showing that it is not inherently synonymous with evil or criminality. By sharing her journey, she shines a light on the emotional complexities of neurodivergent individuals and encourages greater empathy and understanding.
The Path to Healing
Healing from trauma and living with neurodivergence is a lifelong process. For Cassy and others like her, therapy provides tools to manage emotional regulation, while self-acceptance allows them to embrace their unique ways of experiencing the world. Creating safe psychological spaces is equally vital; these spaces foster trust and understanding, enabling individuals to explore their identities without fear of judgement. Cassy’s journey illustrates the profound transformations that can occur when safety, acceptance, and the right resources are in place.
Final Thoughts
Cassy’s journey is one of resilience, education, and self-discovery. It reminds us that emotional regulation, neurodivergence, and survival all intersect in complex ways, often requiring a deeper understanding of individual circumstances. Knowing how trauma changes the brain empowers us to approach mental health with greater compassion and knowledge, creating opportunities for healing and growth.
At Peace Is Power, I celebrate stories like Cassy’s that inspire us to think deeper, act kinder, and advocate for inclusivity in understanding mental health. Her story is a call to action: to embrace emotional diversity, challenge the stigma surrounding neurodivergence, and create safe spaces for healing and growth.
Content Warning: This interview references sensitive topics, including childhood sexual assault and rape. See her soft white underbelly interview here
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