Stress Management Techniques for Adults on the Autism Spectrum
Stress is a common problem for adults on the autism spectrum. Many of the techniques for managing stress are the same as for other adults, but there are a few specific things to keep in mind when dealing with stress on the autism spectrum. One important thing to remember is that individuals on the autism spectrum often have a different way of seeing and understanding their environment. This can lead to increased stress when trying to navigate normal social interactions.
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How Do Adults With Autism Handle Stress?
As we all know, everyone handles stress differently than others. Some can handle stress better than others. Sometimes I do not handle stress in a good way. I am going to tell you what good days and bad days look like for me and how I handle stress on those days.
I am going to be honest; I do not handle stress well when I am having an off day. When everything goes according to plan, I just sail through the day with a peaceful mind. On an off day people should just stay away from me.
The Good Ways To Handle Stress
I love to listen to music in the background when I am marketing or getting ready for karate class
I like to read a book during a 15-minute break
I use a Pomodoro timer to get things done in a timely matter
I use a digital to-do list that is well organized and categorized
I ask for help when I need help with something
I talk to friends or family members
Check out these 10 tips to manage stress according to WebMD
The Bad Ways To Handle Stress
When I have an off day I complain about the tasks that I have to do
I repeat negative things repeatedly
I procrastinate a lot
My brain makes everything seem harder than it really needs to be
I lose patience with everything and everybody around me
I just want to be left alone
I do not want any advice
Everything just makes me angry
What Causes Anxiety In Autistic Adults?
Everyone can experience anxiety for many reasons like not getting enough sleep, stress by their new job, not understanding social cues, feeling lonely or depressed, nervous about going to the doctors, going for surgery, having a fight with a loved one.
I still experience anxiety from time to time even today. Here are some things that causes me anxiety in my late 20s.
Homework in college
Group projects
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How To Reduce Anxiety In Autistic Adults?
Over the years of feeling stressed and anxiety I finally had to think about how can I reduce this stress? Here are some ways to reduce anxiety in Autistic adults:
Listen to music
Play some video games
Workout
Watch your favorite show - (Avatar The Last Airbender)
Talk to your friends and family members
Write in a journal
Draw
Do some arts and crafts
Drink plenty of water using a drink water reminder app across your devices
Go for a walk around your neighborhood
How to help Autism people manage stress and anxiety? - VeryWellHealth
How Do Autistic People Cope With Anxiety?
People on the Autism Spectrum can cope with anxiety when:
We stick to our routines
When we are around familiar people and we know who they are
When we are in a safe and caring environment
When things go right according to the plan
How Do You Calm An Autistic Person Down?
People who are on the Autism Spectrum are all different so each person will calm down differently. Here are some things that you can try.
Take them to a familiar place that they like
Let them listen to their favorite band or song
Let them play their favorite video game
Give them their favorite book to read
Give them space
Listen to them in their time of need
Let them watch their favorite movie or tv show
Give them some arts and crafts materials
Play a board game with them
When they are ready to help them break up bigger projects in smaller chunks
Help them manage their time better by using block scheduling
Consider using the Pomodoro timer method (20 minutes of work and a 15-minute break)
Set up a digital to-do list or a paper to-do list putting prioritizing the importance of each task
Minimize the clutter around their workspace
Help them focus on one thing at a time (multitasking is not productive)
FAQ
Do People With Autism Have High Anxiety?
People with Autism can suffer from social anxiety when meeting new people, going to doctor appointments, a change in schedule and routine, and trying something new for the first time. According to Healthline anxiety is common in Autistic people.
What Helps Anxiety In Adults With Autism?
Having a set schedule and structure helps people with Autism to prevent anxiety. Without structure, our minds and thoughts are all over the place and it becomes chaos.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, stress management is important for adults on the autism spectrum. Everyone experiences stress, but those with autism have a hard time recognizing stress because it doesn't show up as easily to them. In order to manage stress, one should find a balance between work and leisure time, create a schedule that works best for you, and utilize your strengths using hobbies or interests.
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