Emotional Regulation

I can remember when my parents announced that we would be leaving our small church in Eastern Washington to move back to my father’s home town in Oregon.  In spite of my dad’s social problems, my parents had managed to build a successful church in Pasco Washington.  But it was wearing my father down emotionally, and he wanted to go back to school to further his study of theology and become a teacher at a Bible college or seminary.  He was a talented theologian, but he really struggled with providing pastoral care and counseling to his parishioners.

The relocation, followed by a stressful job search, caused my father’s first emotional breakdown.  He was hospitalized then, and misdiagnosed with Manic Depression.  The doctor prescribed Lithium to prevent another manic episode.  The Lithium did not prevent his second breakdown, which occurred five years later when he was going through a divorce.  Furthermore, the experience was so embarrassing and devastating for such a highly sensitive and intelligent man, that he withdrew even further into his depression and anger.  My father lived and died too soon to receive the help he needed for his autism.  (See “Autism in Family History” and “Asperger’s and Spirituality”.)

Many individuals who are experiencing autism or Asperger’s struggle with emotional regulation issues.  Depression, anxiety, and anger are common problems.  Medications and counseling can be a tremendous help (See “Medications”), but the best treatment is to provide the support that these individuals need in the first place.  Public schools are growing in their understanding of these children’s unique needs, but what happens to these individuals when they reach adulthood?

People who are experiencing Asperger’s or autism need training in social communication. They need instruction to enter into new social situations successfully. This becomes especially important as individuals transition from school, to universities, and then into the work place.  Many young adults with ASD get lost in these transitions and never live up to their potential. Furthermore, lack of success can exacerbate emotional problems. They can also still benefit from sensory integration training, occupational therapy, counseling, and support groups.   If all of these services are in place, then symptoms of anger, depression, or anxiety will diminish.  Unfortunately, services for adults are very difficult to find in most communities.   Read the attached article to see one successful approach for supporting young adults who are experiencing ASD symptoms.   Local autism alliance expands as need rises