Main Points of This Afternoon’s Talk Autism involves a difference in emotional regulation A problem with social thinking can cause social anxiety. Social Anxiety can lead to explosive behavior! Explosive and socially challenging behavior can be thought of as a learning disorder.

Anyone can become angry, that is easy…but to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way… this is not easy. Aristotle

Need for an over learned, predictable, routine. Heart rate and the impact on thinking Need for an over learned, predictable, routine.

5 Stars Kari Buron

www.zacbrowser.com

Anxiety’s affect on the body Breathing fast Butterflies in tummy Tense muscles Dizzy Need to pee Crying Sweating Stomachache Shaky Headache Hot Fidgetiness Heart Rate up Blushing/flushing

Emotional Regulation

Emotional Regulation Skills The ability to separate your emotional responses to a problem from the thinking you must perform to resolve the problem. This is actually more thought than emotion. Chronic irritability and social anxiety complicates the problem.

Sometimes I worry way to much, like when I think I am going to recess and it gets cancelled. This might make me scream, or even hit someone. This is a 5. Now my autism is TOO BIG. When My Worries Get Too Big! Buron, 2004 9

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Calming Sequences and Rapid Relaxation ideas

Buron, Manns, Schultz and Thomas

A very simple calming sequence Stop Close eyes 3 slow deep breaths Think of your happy place Open eyes Find a teacher

Helping Your Anxious Child. Rapee, Wignall, Spence,Cobham and Lyneham Rapid Relaxation Deep breath Tense body and hold tight for 5-count Breath out slowly Self-talk: “I am in control.” Helping Your Anxious Child. Rapee, Wignall, Spence,Cobham and Lyneham

Getting input Perspective Taking on our part

Meet Sam Think about: -how soon he talks in numbers -how willing he is to engage with me -how quickly he catches on to the system

Find a quiet Place (Nick Dubin’s thoughts) This is when to do relaxing activities you have learned

Possible causes of stress Social interaction Social problems/ faux pas Perfectionism Transitions/changes Unpredictability Sensory issues Meeting people/being around people Social fears

CSI Worry Worksheet The menu changed at the last minute! What is happening? The menu changed at the last minute! What am I thinking? I will hate the food! I will go hungry! worry rating: 4+ What is the evidence? Last time the cook gave me a choice of peanut butter if I didn’t like the lunch selection. I have never gone hungry at school. What is the truth and nothing but the truth? If I don’t like the lunch, I can have peanut butter. worry rating: 3

What about a relaxation curriculum? Endorphins and oxytocin

Oxytocin Hormone Well being Social Memory Creative Curriculum

Yoga: Social Memory Anxiety Motivation Kari Dunn Buron 9/05

Individual rhythmic sports and activities Archery Fencing Swimming Walking Tai Chi

www.taichiforautism.com (Mary Christianson) As the body becomes more elastic and flexible, the mind becomes more relaxed and resilient. Improves focus Releases tension It is meditation in motion

Video self modeling Positive outcomes only Based on Tom Buggey’s work Melanie and Maureen Video self modeling Positive outcomes only Based on Tom Buggey’s work

The Plan Use pocket activity to assess stressors Clarify major issue Make individual scales Practice yoga poses and rapid relaxation Create photo books Pick one issue and create a story board Video Watch video 2 times a day; Do yoga 2 times a day; Review scale and Rapid Relaxation 2 times a day

Why is this important? Stress and anxiety can play a significant role in triggering unwanted social behavior and yet direct teaching of relaxation is rarely seen on the IEP, behavior plans or as a part of social learning curriculum.