Asperger's and Emotion Management
by Helen Beeley, mother of 3 sons - 2 diagnosed with Asperger's
This article was written based on information given by Dr Tony Attwood and Dr Michelle Garnett in a seminar in May, 2008. I apologize to Tony and Michelle if I have misquoted them, or quoted them out of context.
Both of my sons have had intensive therapy at an Asperger's Clinic with our wonderful Clinical Psychologist, Ivy Gomez. I have used some of the information from their therapy sessions.
People with Asperger's Syndrome commonly experience high levels of anxiety and stress.
Two out of three people with Asperger's Syndrome have a problem with anger management. Sadness and anxiety are often expressed as anger.
Therefore, it is important for people with Asperger's to find ways to recognise and manage their emotions.
To recognise emotions, an emotional thermometer is used. There are separate thermometers for different emotions eg Anger Thermometer, Anxiety (“worry”) Thermometer, Happy Thermometer etc
Photographs and words are placed at the appropriate point on the thermometer.
My sons have their own emotional thermometers and the scale is from 0 - 10. One of my sons likes to put his thermometer under his arm while he takes a reading.
Recognition of emotions is often a problem with people with Asperger's Syndrome. People with Asperger's Syndrome will need to be taught to recognise the physical signs of anger and anxiety eg Anxiety - butterflies in stomach, breathing faster, heart beating faster etc.
Once emotions are recognised, it is imperative to know how to deal with these emotions.
Dr Tony Attwood has developed an Emotional Toolbox: To Fix The Feelings.
The first tool in the toolbox is Physical Activity Tools. This enables a quick release of emotional energy. For example: walking, running, trampoline, drumming, sewing, squeezing an orange, punching a punchbag.
My oldest son practices his Taekwondo forms when he becomes anxious. My second son likes to ride his bicycle, go skateboarding or go for a walk.
The second tool in the toolbox is Relaxation Tools. This allows a slow release of emotional energy. For example: Relaxation training, music, solitude, massage, comedy programs, repetitive action, sleep
My oldest son loves listening to music. My second son enjoys reading Garfield.
The third tool in the toolbox is Social Tools. For example: time with a family member, disclosure (typing, music, poetry), seeking advice, being with a pet, helping someone, being needed, meeting someone with similar issues, counselor or mentor with Asperger's Syndrome.
My oldest son enjoys posting on wrongplanet.net. My second son enjoys spending time with our pet chickens. Both my sons adore their psychologist, Ivy Gomez. When they are stressed they ask when their next appointment is. My second son cuddles her business card when he is feeling stressed.
The fourth tool in the toolbox is Solitude. People with Asperger's find socialising mentally and emotionally exhausting. One hour of socialising needs one hour of solitude.
The fifth tool in the toolbox is Thoughts and Perspective. For example: replacing poisonous thoughts (I am stupid and dumb) with antidotes (I think differently from other people).
The sixth tool in the toolbox is Special Interests. Special interests help keep anxiety under control, act as thought blocking and are a means of relaxation, and pleasure. Special interests can act as a distraction during a meltdown. If Special Interests are the only tool, then the interest becomes obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
The seventh tool in the toolbox is Sensory Tools. For example: sounds (ear plugs, headphones), light (irlen lenses, hat, sun glasses), aroma (deodorants, cleaning products), tactile (clothing)
The eighth tool is Medication. Tony Attwood stressed that medication should only be used short-term to allow Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to work. There should be an exit strategy.
Inappropriate Tools include: fighting, being alone too long, taking stress out on someone else, self-harm, arguing, rude behaviour, use of alcohol and illegal drugs. For parents, inappropriate tools for their child with Asperger's include: affection, punishment, talking, becoming emotional.
Different tools should be used at different points on the thermometer. Relaxation tools are beneficial at low stress levels, physical tools work better at high stress levels.
Dr Tony Attwood's Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has been independently evaluated and proven to be successful.
Sofronoff, K et al (2005) ‘A randomised controlled trial of a CBT Intervention for anxiety in children with Asperger's Syndrome; Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 46:1143 - 1151.
Sofronoff, K et al (2007) ‘A randomised controlled trial of a CBT intervention for anger management in children diagnosed with Asperger syndrome.’ Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 37, (12-2-1214).
Dr Tony Attwood stated that 75% of teenagers with Asperger's will suffer depression or an anxiety disorder.
This is a social story for teens:
Using the Toolbox to Stay Calm and In Control.
As teenagers go through each day there will be times when they feel sad, anxious, confused or frustrated. There are also times when they feel confident, calm and in control.
The art and science of emotion management is learning to draw upon positive emotions and strategies to keep moving through the tough times.
Staying calm and in control is the smart thing to do.
As people grow older they learn to use their intelligence to keep their emotions in control. That way, everyone around them feels comfortable.
Keeping negative feelings in control is important in a friendship and when working with others. Each person is accountable for how their emotions impact on others.
The first step to staying in control is to know when emotions are becoming more intense. Each person has their own signals that their emotions are on the rise. Mine are: (list)
When emotions become stronger, each person learns to stay in control by using a personal emotion management toolbox. My tools include: (list).
When other people know about my toolbox and how I am feeling, they can help me stay in control.
Resources:
‘Exploring Feelings: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to Manage Anxiety’ by Dr Tony Attwood
‘Exploring Feelings: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to Manage Anger’ by Dr Tony Attwood
