Pain in Autism – CRAE webinar with Bethany Donaghy and David Moore

This talk explores the complexities of pain perception in autistic individuals, particularly the notion of altered pain sensitivity as reflected in recent diagnostic criteria. Given that pain is often a critical indicator of illness or injury, the potential for misinterpretation of pain responses in autism raises important concerns. The discussion delves into how pain is processed—from initial sensory coding to neural processing and behavioral expression—drawing from both laboratory research and co-designed interviews that center autistic voices. Additionally, the talk examines emerging research on how autism may influence chronic pain management, shedding light on the broader implications for healthcare and support.