The Bright Side
Some individuals with autism are easy to love. They are easy-going, compliant, and self-reliant. But others present significant behavior problems or need help with self-care or otherwise drain our time and energy. It certainly doesn’t seem appropriate to complain about an individual with special needs, but sometimes, in reality, we reach the end of our rope. Sometimes it is really difficult to look on the bright side.
or
continue reading
Frustration and struggles with seemingly endless issues related to autism can blind us to any redeeming qualities, making it impossible to count even one blessing. The post-holiday season is a time when we are particularly vulnerable to focusing on the negative and overlooking the positive.
Try the “Just One” strategy to shift gears. Draw a line down the middle of a piece of paper. On the left side of the line, write down every single aspect you find irritating about your friend with autism. Leave nothing out. Write down your frustrations about challenging or difficult issues related to communication, behavior, social skills, self-help skills, repetitive rituals, inflexibility, intolerance for change, extraordinary sensory sensitivities, or other irritating habits.
On the right side of the paper, write down something positive about your friend with autism. The objective is to think of at least ONE endearing characteristic. In most cases, our minds start flowing once we write down just one appealing trait, and the list grows. But, even if our friend is particularly challenging, we can always find at least one engaging aspect to put on that positive list.
Cut off the left side of the paper and shred it. Take a look at the list on the right side of the paper and give thanks for each item, even if it is “just one.” Then put the right side of the paper paper in a drawer with the resolution to add to the list on the right-hand side of the paper.
TIP FOR THE DAY: No one who lives with the daily challenges of autism wears rose-colored glasses, and we certainly cannot make problem disappear by simply tearing up a piece of paper. Nor can we make everything better by thinking positive thoughts. But, by keeping tracks of little victories and small steps forward, we can gradually learn to appreciate positive moments when they pop up and to look on the bright side no matter the circumstances.
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
Automatically generated related posts:
- Counting Blessings As the glitter and merriment of Christmas...
- Do and Don’t A group of teachers and therapists were...
- In Positive Terms A teacher and a therapist both commented...
- Two Birds with One Stone Our daily supply of energy and time...
- VODcast: Paper Clips Many individuals with autism of all ages...