Outbursts-Part 2
We are continuing our brief overview of general categories of issues in the lives of individuals with autism contributing to emotional outbursts. By looking at these categories and pinpointing the factors contributing to the problem, we can develop more effective strategies for decreasing meltdowns and increasing contentment for all involved.
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In part 1 of this discussion we talked about three sets of issues common in autism: communication deficits, sensory sensitivities, and aversion to change. Let’s look at several other general categories of factors that might contribute to meltdowns.
4. Age. Sometimes emotional outbursts are simply temper tantrums similar to those displayed by typical kids occasionally. For example, many toddlers, whether diagnosed with autism or not, scream and cry when asserting their own personality and strong will. Hormonal changes can overwhelm typical and autistic pre-teens and teenagers, resulting in withdrawal, pouting, or angry outbursts that can disrupt family life or school.
5. Behavior. It is possible for disruptive or explosive behavior be traced to our responses to a youngster. We might inadvertently encourage a behavior. For example, one particularly explosive girl with autism found she could avoid school lessons and chores at home by dropping to the floor while screaming and biting her hand. A pre-teen boy learned his teachers and family offered toys, DVD’s, and snacks whenever he crawled under a table and sulked.
6. Combination. As is true of most challenging issues, emotional outbursts can be a combination of several different factors. For example, teachers and family members of a pre-teen with autism were concerned when she began sulking and avoiding contact with others. The only change they were able to identify was that of new computers being installed in her classroom. Because she had never shown serious frustration over similar changes, they were confused at first. But, by looking more closely at the situation, they began to notice her responses to other small, unanticipated adjustments at school and at home. They realized that recent hormonal changes were probably making her more sensitive to unexpected shifts in schedule and location, so they began talking of upcoming changes well in advance to help her adjust more readily.
Tip for the day: Keep in mind that some emotional issues warrant care by a professional counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist who can discern the possible need for specialized care. But, no matter the level of intervention, any strategy or approach to the challenge will be more effective if we take time to pinpoint the extenuating circumstances. Once you scout out all the discernable factors contributing to explosive outbursts, you can implement a plan to help increase contentment and decrease agitation in the life of your friend with autism.
You can also help contribute to the contentment of people you know with autism by recommending our free, practical, daily podcasts. Tell your friends to click on http://FAQautism.com.
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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