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How do I help my son with Aspergers self-regulate his emotions, so that he either does not get flat (and non-responsive) or so hysterically silly and hyped up that he can't do simple tasks that he can normally do - or is able to help himself out of these states?

It can be very difficult for a child with Asperger's Syndrome to control his impulses and regulate his emotions.  Hyperactivity, dulled responses, anxiety, and sensory meltdowns are all common occurrences and can seriously interfere with the ability to stay on task.


The symptoms and characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome vary widely from person to person.  Self-regulation may always be an issue with which your son struggles.  However, as he continues to grow and learn, his responses may improve dramatically.  Here are some things you can do now to help him find a balance and that will allow him to better self-regulate his emotions.

The first step to learning self regulation is to know what triggers certain negative responses.  For instance, if play time with loud music and bright lights brings on unmanageable hyperactivity, this could mean that there is a sensory overload happening.  By simply changing play time to a calmer, quieter atmosphere, you can change the behavior, which will improve attitudes for the activities that come after play time.  This is not to say that loud music and bright lights should always be eliminated.  It just means that the situation that follows the loud music and bright lights needs to be assessed to avoid these emotional difficulties.  Dealing with sensory overload while taking a test, for example, is very unpleasant.

Here are some additional ideas that can help your son learn to self regulate.  

* Cognitive-behavioral therapy

* Occupational therapy can help your son (and you) learn tips and techniques that will help relieve sensory overload.  Something as simple as joint compressions and get your son back on task quickly and quietly.

* Medications may be needed in some cases.  Anti-anxiety drugs, mood stabilizers, and ADHD drugs are commonly used in various combinations to help children with Asperger's Syndrome find balance and calmness.

If your son has great difficulty regulating his emotions and actions, it is a good idea to begin with medical and psychological examinations.  Your son's medical team can then come up with a medical plan and therapies suited specifically for his needs. 

This is just a sample of one of the many articles contained in my latest ebook “A Parent's Guide to Emotions and Communication in Children with Aspergers” ...

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Thanks for reading,

Dave Angel



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