1. 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.

2. 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

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

4. 5 Stars
Kari Buron

6. 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

7. Emotional
Regulation

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 10

12. Calming Sequences and Rapid Relaxation ideas

13. Buron, Manns, Schultz and Thomas

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

15. 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

16. Getting input
Perspective
Taking on our
part

18. 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

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

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

22. 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

23. What about a relaxation curriculum?
Endorphins and oxytocin

24. Oxytocin Hormone
Well being
Social Memory
Creative Curriculum

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

27. Individual rhythmic
sports and activities
Archery
Fencing
Swimming
Walking
Tai Chi

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

32. 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.