Autism and Emotional Regulation
Emotional regulation is the ability to effectively manage and control one’s emotional responses to various situations. In other words, it allows for appropriate expressions of feelings without becoming overwhelmed. This may involve strategies such as:
- identifying emotions
- coping with stress
- maintaining emotional stability
Autistic Children and Emotions
Autistic children can struggle to regulate their emotions due to a combination of neurological, sensory and societal factors:
Sensory sensitivities
Sensory sensitivities can impact emotional regulation as this can lead to a greater tendency to being overwhelmed. Moreover, feeling chronically overwhelmed can mean that an autistic child is more likely to be triggered be seemingly ‘small’ events into a meltdown.
Communication Difficulties
The communication difficulties inherent in autism can make it very hard for autistic children to express their own emotions or to understand the emotional intent of others. Furthermore, this can lead to greater feelings of misunderstanding and frustration, which makes emotional regulation more difficult.
Autism and Social Interaction Difficulties
The social interaction difficulties related to autism can lead to social anxiety and emotional dysregulation in social situations.
Executive Dysfunction
Executive dysfunction is common in autistic children. This causes difficulties with planning, organising and regulating emotions. In other words, this means that situations that require flexible thinking and problem solving become particularly challenging and can lead to dysregulation.
Autism and Emotional Regulation – Routine
A strong need for routine and predictability, which is a common autistic trait, means that changes are very anxiety-provoking and difficult to respond to.
Perspective Challenges
Difficulties with perspective taking can mean that it is more challenging for an autistic child to regulate their emotions within a social context.
Big Feelings
Autistic children are commonly reported to have ‘big feelings’ and so these are harder for them to regulate as emotions may be experienced in a more ‘intense’ way in comparison to their neurotypical peers.
ADHD
Autistic children are more likely to present with other forms of neurodiversity (e.g. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) which are also known to impact emotion regulation.
Autism and Emotional Regulation – The Environment
The environment also plays a significant role in emotional regulation for autistic children. An overwhelming or over stimulating environment can trigger emotional meltdowns or shutdowns. Conversely a calm and structured environment can support increased emotion regulation skills.
Understanding the factors that may underpin difficulties in emotional regulation for autistic children is important in providing the necessary support and strategies to help autistic children develop emotional regulation skills. Moreover, this may in turn increase their overall wellbeing. Early intervention and a supportive accommodating environment are crucial in helping autistic children to thrive and navigate their social and emotional worlds.
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