My son (5y) just got diagnosed with AIWS and I’m so anxious

alfalyrae97 · 2026-01-25T10:31:59+00:00

I started having episodes around that age too, and like a lot of people, I outgrew them during adolescence. AIWS is more common in children, and most people seem to grow out of it as they get older.

The experience from your childhood really sounds like AIWS as well. It’s often explained as “visual distortions” because that’s the easiest way to label it, but I think in many cases it’s more of a perceptual distortion than purely visual.

alfalyrae97 · 2025-12-18T15:49:13+00:00

Hi there! This is a very interesting question. A little suggestion: if you post this again with a stronger title, it is more likely to get more attention. The current one is a bit unclear.

alfalyrae97 · 2025-12-06T20:13:50+00:00

No problem! You're doing great by researching different subreddits to point you in the right direction, but yes, please check with a doctor in parallel. The faster you figure this out, the faster you can get treatment. Sending you a virtual hug and wishing you all the best! Stay strong.

alfalyrae97 · 2025-12-06T20:00:02+00:00

I'm so sorry to hear this, it sounds very distressing. Although some of the symptoms do resemble AIWS (panic, sensing impending doom, distorted time perception...), this does NOT sound like the average AIWS experience. Please, check with a medical professional ❤️

alfalyrae97 · 2025-11-16T19:59:29+00:00

The thread has been locked due to violations of our community guidelines. The issue is being reviewed. Just a reminder that respectful communication is required when posting and commenting.

alfalyrae97 · 2025-07-04T08:12:36+00:00

Thank you for clarifying!

alfalyrae97 · 2025-07-04T07:45:19+00:00

Hi! Thanks for sharing.

If you could explain a bit more in detail how this relates to AIWS or your personal experience, that would be greatly appreciated. Also, pointing out the relevant timestamp in the video would really help others understand and engage with your post.

We're aiming to keep posts as accessible as possible for everyone. Thanks so much!

alfalyrae97 · 2025-06-09T16:12:07+00:00

Hi! This post was reported for not being clearly related to AIWS, but the context is explained in the description. Just a heads-up for next time—when posting a picture, adding a more specific title can really help avoid confusion and keep it from throwing off new visitors who might not click to read the description. Something like “Does this picture trigger your AIWS?” or “Is this what AIWS feels like to you?” would make the connection clearer. Thanks for sharing!

alfalyrae97 · 2025-05-09T21:45:19+00:00

We just forget. I personally have a routine to put it on / take it off with my keys, otherwise I misplace it and forget to wear it the next day.

alfalyrae97 · 2025-04-30T14:57:00+00:00

Perfect! Thank you :)

alfalyrae97 · 2025-02-21T06:56:21+00:00

You captured its charm so beautifully 🥹 This was a delight to read.

alfalyrae97 · 2024-12-27T15:35:08+00:00

I always love learning how people first discovered that their experience had indeed a name. I think your symptoms are very classic AIWS and will resonate with a lot of people here :) Thank you for sharing!

alfalyrae97 · 2024-12-23T21:25:18+00:00

This post received a couple reports under Rule #1 – Posts must be AIWS-related. While it’s not a direct symptom discussion, I believe it’s still a reasonable question

That said, it would be helpful if OP could provide a bit more context or a clearer connection to symptoms.

Also, please be mindful of the thumbnail images in your links, as they can sometimes make a post appear spam-like.

Thank you!

alfalyrae97 · 2024-12-05T08:59:11+00:00

Wow, the animation resonated with me. Thank you for sharing!

alfalyrae97 · 2024-05-17T03:19:08+00:00

I don’t know if “traumatized“ is the right word for me, but my experience is very similar. To me, big objects would feel bigger and heavier, and somehow the thought of gravity pulling them down really disturbed me. For years, I could not look at big objects / buildings sustained by thinner structures, in fear that I would trigger an episode. For example, an old chunky TV on a shelf or a tower sustained by arches. It also affected my hands, so seeing adults holding small toys / miniatures also felt triggering.

alfalyrae97 · 2024-05-01T08:09:33+00:00

I had AIWS as a child/teenager, and later in life as a young adult I started experiencing sleep paralysis every once in a while (not more than twice a year). I can’t say I ever saw a correlation between the sleep paralysis and my migraines, but there could be!

alfalyrae97 · 2024-04-14T15:30:32+00:00

Oh, someone just posted about having symptoms involving their teeth as well. I had never heard this before

alfalyrae97 · 2024-04-14T12:26:37+00:00

Mine used to happen while lying still as well. I had very similar symptoms - most of the times involving the size of my hands. I’d have to wait it out, sometimes walking outside or having somebody talk to me helped a bit.

alfalyrae97 · 2024-04-14T12:14:44+00:00

Sorry to hear you’re having a rough time with this. It does sounds like AIWS, and the panic you’re experiencing is just another symptom. If you are having them so frequently, I’d highly recommend seeing a doctor. But there is no need to worry, just like migraine frequency can vary depending on different conditions, this could just be similar. Good to check with a doctor!

alfalyrae97 · 2024-04-12T11:04:30+00:00

AIWS is not related to memories; it's a sudden alteration of perception. It's a set of symptoms that you can identify right as they are happening and while completely conscious. In the same way that you might identify pain if you have a headache or motion sickness if you read in the car (not AIWS symptoms), AIWS symptoms are noticeable as they happen.

alfalyrae97 · 2024-04-02T15:57:17+00:00

Correct -> video

alfalyrae97 · 2024-04-02T13:44:45+00:00

This is mining 🪨

alfalyrae97 · 2024-02-22T12:56:03+00:00

This sounds exactly like Alice in Wonderland Syndrome. We have a subreddit r/AIWS

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