Peter Jackson asked:
What would it be like working with an autistic child who cannot stand to be scolded? Would this trigger him / her upset / angry / frustrated / pannicky / revved up as if his / her anger is stronger? How much intensive behavioral therapy would it require? Would it be a serious issue for the child or a minor issue?
Is it true that an average growing autistic child / teen / adult has delays in emotional maturity despite their condition (even if high functioning autistics are very very bright)? Delays in more appropriate feelings (such as teenagers-20 something displaying childlike emotions) and that despite their condition, their feelings are essentially below the adult maturity level?
Autistics have difficulty with dealing with certain situations despite changes in schedule or routine, sensory overload, fears, etc.. Panic and Anxiety is evident in an autistic individual. When a person is growing up with the condition, is it true that their anger, frustration, emotions, whatsoever, is essentially below their normal level (levels that aren’t age-appropriate)?
What I am trying to ask is, would a growing high functioning autistic adult (late-teens, 20s, adulthood) have delays in emotional maturity levels? Delays in which their anger, frustrations, emotions, feeling abilities fall in the low average range, delays in which their feelings aren’t at their normal level (even if the growing individual is very intelligent)?
What would it be like working with an autistic child who cannot stand to be scolded? Would this trigger him / her upset / angry / frustrated / pannicky / revved up as if his / her anger is stronger? How much intensive behavioral therapy would it require? Would it be a serious issue for the child or a minor issue?
Is it true that an average growing autistic child / teen / adult has delays in emotional maturity despite their condition (even if high functioning autistics are very very bright)? Delays in more appropriate feelings (such as teenagers-20 something displaying childlike emotions) and that despite their condition, their feelings are essentially below the adult maturity level?
Autistics have difficulty with dealing with certain situations despite changes in schedule or routine, sensory overload, fears, etc.. Panic and Anxiety is evident in an autistic individual. When a person is growing up with the condition, is it true that their anger, frustration, emotions, whatsoever, is essentially below their normal level (levels that aren’t age-appropriate)?
What I am trying to ask is, would a growing high functioning autistic adult (late-teens, 20s, adulthood) have delays in emotional maturity levels? Delays in which their anger, frustrations, emotions, feeling abilities fall in the low average range, delays in which their feelings aren’t at their normal level (even if the growing individual is very intelligent)?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I have a 17-year-old autistic son, so I think I’m qualified to answer this.
This is a serious issue to an autistic child or adult. They are not in control of their behavior because the autism takes away the ability to have that control. Yes, scolding does add to the upset, frustration, and panic and also heightens the fear of the child/adult, hence triggering even more intense misbehavior, yelling, running around, hitting, etc.
Before most children reach a certain emotional maturity (1-3 years), they don’t have control over their emotions. They learn and we teach them what’s appropriate and how to handle things as they grow. But until then, they frequently get so out of control, that no matter how hard they try, they are unable to regain control. This is very frightening to them. An autistic child never gains this emotional maturity. They are forever stuck in the cycle of lost control and the fear that brings.
Do NOT scold them. Gently but firmly remove them from the situation (if they let you touch them) and stay with them someplace safe and quite where they can neither hurt themselves or others. Allow them to calm down. Then calmly address the situation. For example: “So and So, what happened just now? (briefly and simply describe what happened just before they went hysterical). Do you remember the rules? We’re not allowed to (whatever the child did to deserve scolding). It’s ok to be angry but we cannot hit, yell, or throw things. That’s the rule. If you break that rule again and yell, hit, or throw things, I’ll have to bring you outside again. Do you want to go back? (child indicates yes). Ok, we’ll go back but no more (whatever).
There are many things that will set them off. The above was just one example of how to handle a situation when you know what happened. Many, many times, you won’t have a clue what set them off. But, yes, yelling at an autistic child/adult makes things worse. Always speak calmly and remove them (if you safely can).
As for how much behavioral therapy will be required, that depends on the child; age, severity of the autism, what other health/learning issues are present, many other issues. Only a developmental counselor can decide. For most, it’s a lifetime ordeal.
What would it be like? Very, very difficult, to say the least. But, if you have it in you, and you’re asking about teaching autistic children, it can be very rewarding as well.
There are a variety of reasons why scolding would upset a child with autism. When we scold, we tend to raise our voice, even if only a little bit. We may even speak at a faster pace. First, even if they are verbal, they tend to think visually. They also tend to have difficulty processing information that is presented verbally. So, slow down the pace. Speak slower and use fewer words. Also, pair non-verbal signals or visuals with what is being said. Seconly, present what is being said very concretely, since they have a hard time processing more abstract or implied meanings. Thirdly, they have alot of sensory issues so a raised voice or being in their space could be very upsetting. Finally, make sure that the thing they are being scolded for is something that they really should be scolded for. If the reason they did something was because of sonsory concerns or a need to conform to non-functional routines that they are sort of compulsive about then your response would be to find a way for them to fulfill that need in a more socially acceptable manner. Read this article for more information on autism and how to respond.
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