Autism: Stress Relief for families who live with autism spectrum disorders (aka PDD)
By award-winning author and stress-relief expert Susie Mantell
Q: Our 8 year old boy with Asbergers Syndrome is experiencing some very *jangly* moments and can be quite disruptive at school and home. Can relaxation techniques, and your CD,* Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,* help him to a calm state?
The CDC estimates the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders at 1 in 150 children. Autism is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and American Psychological Association as a developmental disability that results from a disorder of the human central nervous system. . . The causes, symptoms, etiology, treatment, and other issues are controversial.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism
Your journey, and your son*s, are not easy ones, but there is growing interest in, and attention to the complex spectrum of Autism Spectrum Disorders (aka PDD.) My own work is in stress management, so I will offer what I can, but you really will be best advised by a medical professional specializing in autism spectrum disorders (aka PDD.) Whenever a question is of a medical nature, it is best to talk with a trusted medical professionals who can sit face to face with a family, make an assessment, and recommend how best to proceed. You may also find support from a physician or psychotherapist, organizations and support groups, who work primarily in this unusual and complex spectrum. That said, here are few suggestions that came to mind:
1. Your suggestion of guided imagery such as our CD *Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,* is an excellent idea. We receive letters and emails telling us that *Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace* has been used successfully by many parents with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (aka PDD,) ADHD or sleep disorders, to soothe children and help them to fall, or fall back...asleep. The gentle narration is calming, and also provides a focal point for the listener*s mind, especially when *stimming* and repetitive or perseverative thoughts or actions seem to preoccupy attention, and make people as you say, *jangly.* *Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace*
wasn*t originally created specifically for kids, but they seem to respond well to the deeply comforting quality and you might want to give that a try. I have heard that Listening Therapy is an approach sometimes used in PDD, and this might be a gentle technique to incorporate. (In fact, it may be a comfort to you and other family members as well.)
2. Take a look on my website*s Tips page for tips for helping caregivers, and for kids cope with stress, in general. There may be some tips there that you can adapt or will be appropriate for your little boy. As you know all too well, autism impacts every family member. In addition, family members may find supportive stress-relief suggestions on www.relaxintuit.com/tips.asp as well.
3. When Events Circumstances Are Not a Choice, Perspective Is.
*It is not what you look at, but what you see.* -Henry David Thoreau
Read: *Just for This Day* by poet Sally Meyer for her remarkable son, Dhylan. (Reprinted here with permission from the author.)
http://www.relaxintuit.com/tips/259
Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders)
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autism.cfm
*Autism speaks. It*s time to listen*
http://www.autismspeaks.org
Autism Society of America
http://www.autism-society.org
The Center for the Study of Autism
http://www.autism.org
Interactive Autism Network, is an innovative online project designed to accelerate the pace of autism research.
http://www.ianproject.org
BOOK: Born on a Blue Day:Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic Savant by Daniel Tammet. Unique, fascinating first-person account by a high-functioning, adult autistic savant living with Asperger's syndrome.
Lighter Side: A Happier World Through Kids* Eyes
To save space hear, I*ve posted this for you at:
http://www.relaxintuit.com/tips/281
4. Another thought is breathwork...mindful, focused breathing. Again the idea is to have a focal point where the mind can rest. On my Tips page you will also find breathing techniques to try out.
I hope something here is of help, and wish you and your very special little guy wonderful support, love and laughter, and many, many *half-hours of peace*.
Warm wishes,
Susie
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Award-winning stress-relief expert Susie Mantell ...is the author of the deeply soothing relaxation CD, "Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace,” clinically approved for symptoms associated with stress and sleeplessness, depression and grief, anxiety, P.T.S.D., Fibromyalgia, caregiver stress, cancer, pain, divorce and addiction recovery. Featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC, ABC, CBS-TV, Town & Country, The American Pain Society, Hazelden and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, listeners include The Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Betty Ford Center, V.A. Hospitals,and Canyon Ranch (#1 Spa.) Customizing stress-reduction for Fortune 500 companies, distinguished hospitals and spas, Mantell has facilitated thousands in relieving health-related, work-related, chronic or traumatic stress. Her multi-sensory, mind-body techniques appear in national media, medical and corporate publications. Susie Mantell's Stress-Relief & Wellness Tips are intended as an adjunct to, not a substitute for, professional health care. Order “Your Present: A Half-Hour of Peace” and find more of Mantell’s stress-relief tips at www.relaxintuit.com