WHY DO PEOPLE WITH AUTISTIC SPECTRUM CONDITIONS SUFFER FROM SO MUCH ANXIETY? DR LOUISE CONNOR DR MICHELLE CONN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS
WHAT IS ANXIETY? Anxiety is an intense feeling of apprehension or impending doom associated with a range of physical sensations. Is it triggered by either real or perceived danger. If you believe you are in danger then your emotional & physical responses are rational.
THE PROBLEM OF ANXIETY Anxiety is exhausting both physically and mentally. Anxiety is contagious. The release of adrenaline has a significant impact on the the functioning of the neurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Disruption in the PFC can impact on decision making which is a cognitive process involving: Making a choice between a number of possible options. Weighing the risks, rewards and consequences of actions. The need for immediate (perceived) safety often triumphs over longer term goals.
WHY IS IT MORE PRONOUNCED IN AUTISTIC SPECTRUM CONDITIONS? Communication difficulties, both understanding and expression Preoccupation with experience of self Rigid thinking style Difficulty predicting other people Sensory experiences Exhaustion because these skills are not intuitive Struggle to organise self...
What s that noise?
What s that noise? Should I make eye contact?
What s that noise? Should I make eye contact? Why are they laughing?
What s that noise? Should I make eye contact? Why are they laughing? I have an itch can I scratch it?
What s that noise? Should I make eye contact? Why are they laughing? I have an itch can I scratch it? I ve missed what they are saying
What s that noise? Should I make eye contact? Why are they laughing? I have an itch can I scratch it? I ve missed what they are saying Do they mean that or was it sarcasm?
Why has my power-point messed up?
What s that noise? Should I make eye contact? Why are they laughing? I have an itch can I scratch it? I ve missed what they are saying Do they mean that or was it sarcasm? My friend can no longer speak what now?
What s that noise? Should I make eye contact? Why are they laughing? I have an itch can I scratch it? I ve missed what they are saying Do they mean that or was it sarcasm? My friend can no longer speak now what? I m going to mess it up people will be so disappointed I m not Louise
What s that noise? Should I make eye contact? Why are they laughing? I have an itch can I scratch it? I ve missed what they are saying Do they mean that or was it sarcasm? When can I go home? My friend can no longer speak now what? I m going to mess it up people will be so disappointed I m not Louise Someone touched me it feels like an electric shock!!!!
What s that noise? Should I make eye contact? Why are they laughing? I have an itch can I scratch it? I ve missed what they are saying Do they mean that or was it sarcasm? When can I go home? My friend can no longer speak now what? I m going to mess it up people will be so disappointed I m not Louise Someone touched me it feels like an electric shock!!!! What if someone asks me a question I can t answer?
What s that noise? Should I make eye contact? Why are they laughing? I have an itch can I scratch it? I ve missed what they are saying Do they mean that or was it sarcasm? When can I go home? My friend can no longer speak now what? I m going to mess it up people will be so disappointed I m not Louise Someone touched me it feels like an electric shock!!!! What if someone asks me a question I can t answer? Am I becoming anxious? OH NO! (fear of fear)
What s that noise? Should I make eye contact? Why are they laughing? I have an itch can I scratch it? I ve missed what they are saying Do they mean that or was it sarcasm? When can I go home? My friend can no longer speak now what? I m going to mess it up people will be so disappointed I m not Louise Someone touched me it feels like an electric shock!!!! What if someone asks me a question I can t answer? Am I becoming anxious? OH NO! (fear of fear) Why are there so many questions?
What s that noise? Should I make eye contact? Why are they laughing? I have an itch can I scratch it? I ve missed what they are saying Do they mean that or was it sarcasm? When can I go home? My friend can no longer speak now what? I m going to mess it up people will be so disappointed I m not Louise Someone touched me it feels like an electric shock!!!! What if someone asks me a question? Am I becoming anxious? OH NO (fear of fear) Why are there so many questions? What if???...
SO... I am in a state of panic, I feel awful, I can t think straight as my brain is full of adrenalin; What shall I do????????
STRATEGIES Reduce physiological arousal Identify the problem(s) Identify what can be changed / influenced / controlled Identify what you can do to cope with the now.
RELAX (EASIER SAID THAN DONE OF COURSE) The physical symptoms need to be reduced before you can expect your brain to problem solve effectively. Deep breathing/mindfulness/distraction etc. Rate your anxiety on a scale of 0-10 to increase self awareness track it over time. 0--------------------------------------------5----------------------------------------10 Calm Worst ever
DEFINE THE PROBLEM(S) DEFINE YOUR DESIRED OUTCOME WHAT CAN I CONTROL? Define ways of controlling or influencing the situation Set limits & define boundaries in advance Minimise unnecessary demands Rehearse mantras & practise answers to anticipated scenarios/questions in advance Explain your situation to others WHAT CAN T I CONTROL? Therefore how can I cope Escape/avoidance Do something you re good at (washing up) Relaxation / mindfulness Inappropriate coping : Alcohol/never leave the house...
STRATEGIES IN SUMMARY Define what works for YOU. Develop Self Awareness+++ Practice NeuroPlasticity Bottom line = If you are not hurting yourself or others, then surely it s OK (who cares if it s odd as long as you are safe, including from the ridicule of others) If in doubt use a behavioural strategy (stand up/make tea/ go for a walk/talk to yourself...)