FAQautism

Helping a person manage explosive, angry outbursts requires a multi-pronged, systematic strategy that addresses a ton of issues, including behavior catalysts, anger management, appropriate caregiver responses, methods for expressing emotions, and more. The issue could fill a book. This podcast addresses one narrow facet of anger prevention – that of taking time to make personal connections before the situation gets out of hand.

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Preventing explosive anger is very difficult in any situation, but the challenge is magnified with individuals functioning on the spectrum of autism who have limited language skills. Angry outbursts can be a result of frustration over their inability to communicate needs or opinions. Sometimes our nonverbal friends resort to hitting, biting, and screaming to communicate displeasure, discomfort, or boredom. In some cases, it is very difficult to determine the source of anger or frustration that results in such an intense reaction. Limitations in expressive language only add fuel to the fire. Sometimes the best way to prevent emotional meltdowns is taking time to build personal connections.

In some cases, non-verbal individuals find it difficult to get the attention of caregivers. Because our lives are busy, we all tend to just go about our daily business and inadvertently ignore a person who is non-verbal. But we certainly turn our attention to our friends when they scream, cry, bite, hit, or throw something. Without meaning to, we can actually encourage angry outbursts when we suddenly drop everything and pay attention when anger escalates.

Because we want to encourage calm and appropriate communication, it is critical that we purposefully turn our attention to our non-verbal friends frequently during calm moments, giving them time and opportunity to connect with us. Spending quality time on a regular basis also allows us to get a feel for what our friends are thinking and learn their individual non-verbal cues.

Individuals who are non-verbal sometimes have every decision made for them because it is easier for us to just tell them what to eat or wear or read or watch or do. Some angry outbursts can be avoided when we take time to give our friends choices about some aspects of their daily lives. It takes longer, but we can instill a sense of personal satisfaction when we give individuals time and opportunity to clearly communicate “yes” and “no,” either verbally, with sign language, with symbol cards, or with body language.

TIP FOR THE DAY: No matter how crunched your schedule, take time to connect – it pays off in the long run.

NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com

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