Tag: Awesomely autistic app FAQ

Self-regulation is the ability to manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in response to the demands of the environment. It is an important skill that can help individuals cope with stress and navigate challenging situations. Babies and young children with autism may have difficulty with self-regulation due to their limited ability to communicate their needs and emotions and their limited experience with the world around them.

There are several strategies that parents and caregivers of babies with autism can use to help their child self-regulate:

1. Provide a predictable and structured environment: A predictable and structured environment can help babies with autism feel more secure and can make it easier for them to understand and respond to the expectations of those around them.
2. Use visual supports: Visual supports, such as picture schedules or social stories, can help babies with autism understand and anticipate changes in their environment and can be a helpful tool for self-regulation.
3. Engage in sensory activities: Sensory activities, such as playing with playdough or blowing bubbles, can be a helpful way for babies with autism to regulate their sensory input and to cope with stress or anxiety.
4. Use verbal and nonverbal communication: Using both verbal and nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions and gestures, can help babies with autism understand and express their emotions and can be a helpful tool for self-regulation.
5. Provide comforting touch: Providing comforting touch, such as a hug or a gentle massage, can be a helpful way for babies with autism to regulate their sensory input and to cope with stress or anxiety.

It is important to remember that every child is different and what works for one child may not work for another. It may be helpful to try a variety of strategies and see what works best for your child. It is also important to speak with a qualified healthcare professional for guidance and recommendations based on your child’s specific needs.

There are many tools and equipment that can be helpful for self-regulation, and the best options will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Some tools and equipment that may be helpful for self-regulation include:

1. Sensory toys and tools: Sensory toys and tools, such as stress balls, fidget spinners, or therapy putty, can provide a sensory outlet and can be helpful for managing stress or anxiety.
2. Weighted blankets or lap pads: Weighted blankets and lap pads can provide a sense of deep pressure touch, which can be calming and soothing for some individuals.
3. Noise-cancelling headphones\Ear defenders: Noise-cancelling headphones and Ear-defenders can be helpful for blocking out external noise and distractions and can be a useful tool for regulating sensory input.
4. Trampolines or balance boards: Trampolines and balance boards can provide a sensory outlet and can be helpful for regulating sensory input and releasing pent-up energy.
5. Aromatherapy diffusers: Aromatherapy diffusers can be used to disperse essential oils into the air, which can have a calming effect on the body and mind.
6. Light and sound therapy devices: Light and sound therapy devices, such as a light box or a white noise machine, can be helpful for regulating sensory input and managing stress or anxiety.

It is important to note that everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another. It may be helpful to try a variety of tools and equipment and see what works best for you. It is also important to speak with a qualified healthcare professional before using any new equipment or tools, as they can provide guidance and recommendations based on your specific needs.

Stimming, or self-stimulatory behavior, is a common characteristic of autism and is often used as a way to regulate sensory input or to cope with stress or anxiety. Stimming can take many forms, such as hand flapping, rocking, spinning, or repeating certain actions or movements. It is important to note that stimming is a normal and often necessary behavior for many individuals on the autism spectrum, and it is not something that should be discouraged or punished.

If you feel ashamed or self-conscious about your stimming behaviors, it may be helpful to remember that these behaviors are a normal and healthy way for you to cope with your environment. It is also important to recognize that everyone is different and that there is no one “right” way to be. It is okay to stim in private if that makes you feel more comfortable, but it is also important to try to find ways to feel more comfortable stimming in public if it is something that is important to you. This might involve finding supportive friends or a therapist who can help you feel more comfortable with your behaviors, or finding ways to communicate your needs to others.

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• In addition to stimming, what other ways are there to help me self regulate?

Self-regulation is the ability to manage your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in response to the demands of your environment. It is an important skill that can help you cope with stress and navigate challenging situations. There are many strategies that can be helpful for self-regulation, and it may be helpful to try a variety of techniques to see what works best for you. Some strategies that may be helpful for self-regulation include:

1. Deep breathing exercises: Taking slow, deep breaths can help to calm the body and mind and can be a helpful way to regulate sensory input.
2. Fidget toys: Using a small, discreet toy, such as a stress ball or a fidget spinner, can provide a sensory outlet and can be helpful for managing stress or anxiety.
3. Progressive muscle relaxation: Tensing and relaxing different muscle groups can help to reduce tension and promote relaxation.
4. Mindfulness techniques: Focusing on the present moment and being aware of your thoughts and feelings can help you to better manage your emotions and reactions to stress.
5. Exercise: Physical activity can be a great way to regulate sensory input and to release pent-up energy.
6. Creative activities: Engaging in creative activities such as drawing, painting, or coloring can be a helpful way to regulate sensory input and to express emotions.
7. Sensory breaks: Taking a break to engage in a sensory activity, such as listening to music or using a sensory tool, can be a helpful way to regulate sensory input and manage stress or anxiety.
8. Seeking support: It can be helpful to talk to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist about your feelings and struggles. Receiving support and understanding can be a powerful way to regulate your emotions and behaviors.

It is important to remember that self-regulation is a skill that can be learned and improved upon over time. It may take some trial and error to find what works best for you, but with practice and patience, you can develop effective self-regulation strategies.

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• I only do stimming in private as I feel ashamed to do it in public.

Sensory issues are common in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication and social interaction. People with ASD may also have differences in how they process and respond to sensory information from the environment. They may experience sensory issues in a variety of ways, such as being oversensitive to certain stimuli or being under-sensitive to others.

Some common sensory issues that may be experienced by individuals with ASD include:

1. Over-sensitivity to certain stimuli: Some people with ASD may be overly sensitive to certain types of sensory input, such as loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures or smells. They may find these stimuli overwhelming and may try to avoid them or may become agitated or distressed when exposed to them.
2. Under-sensitivity to certain stimuli: Other people with ASD may be under-sensitive to certain stimuli and may seek out additional sensory input to help them feel more alert and awake. They may also be prone to accidents or injuries because they do not react appropriately to stimuli such as pain or hot surfaces.
3. Difficulty with fine motor skills: Some people with ASD may have difficulty with tasks that require precise movements, such as writing or buttoning a shirt.
4. Difficulty with gross motor skills: Others may have difficulty with tasks that require large muscle movements, such as running or jumping.
5. Difficulty with balance: Some people with ASD may have difficulty with balance and coordination, which can make activities such as riding a bike or playing sports challenging.
6. Difficulty with attention: Some people with ASD may have difficulty with focusing their attention or may become easily distracted by their surroundings.
7. Difficulty with social interactions: Sensory issues can also affect social interactions, as people with ASD may have difficulty interpreting social cues or may become overwhelmed in social situations.

Sensory issues can affect different areas of a person’s life, including their ability to learn, communicate, and interact with others. For example, someone who is oversensitive to loud noises may have difficulty in a classroom setting where there is a lot of background noise. Similarly, someone who is under-sensitive to pain may have difficulty understanding and reacting appropriately to social cues, such as facial expressions or body language.

It is important to note that not all individuals with ASD will experience sensory issues, that sensory issues are not unique to ASD and can also occur in people who do not have ASD, and the severity of sensory issues can vary greatly among individuals. If you are concerned about sensory issues in yourself or a loved one with or without ASD, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or occupational therapist, for a proper evaluation and treatment plan.

For further information:

• https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-sensory-processing-disorder/