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Parenting

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Emotional responses in 6 year old

2 replies

Cocolocomoco · 22/09/2024 11:31

Looking for advice in supporting 6 year old DD with her emotional reactions. Diagnosed ASD age 3 but has come on leaps and bounds and I wouldn't think anyone would pick up on this if they weren't already aware. I do have to do work around managing her expectations on things and she can be anxious/ easily scared but on the whole, she is an extremely happy child and finds lots of joy in life. Very excited and raring to go generally.

However, she does experience out of proportion emotional responses to things which I don't see happening with her peers. Could have an outburst for example at the park if someone jumps in front of her and takes equipment she was about to use. Or if she loses things or if perceives something unfair. These reactions can involve her losing self-control a little, shouting repeatedly, upset - just very OTT in comparison to what has happened.

I'm trying to help her come up with strategies to avoid being so upset - but beyond deep breaths, I am struggling to think how to help as she just jumps from 0 to 100 emotionally

Any advice on how I can help her appreciated. I find myself at parties etc. on edge in case this happens (it doesn't happen all the time) and I don't want her behaviour to become problematic as she gets older.

OP posts:
SoundOfRain · 22/09/2024 21:48

Hi @Cocolocomoco
Sounds like you're already doing a great job 🥰
Obviously ASD is a wide spectrum and at six years old you will still have to do a lot of the 'heavy lifting' as mum; but, may I recommend looking at Distress Tolerance and Emotional Regulation. This website is a good introduction (no affiliation and of course other websites are available): https://dialecticalbehaviortherapy.com/distress-tolerance/
For the times when you can work on strategies together, Emotional Regulation tips may help (it sounds like you may already be implementing some of these already).
Building up her Distress Tolerance skills may help with some of the "in the heat of the moment" difficulties.
Very best wishes 🙏

Distress Tolerance : Dialectical Behavior Therapy

https://dialecticalbehaviortherapy.com/distress-tolerance

Cocolocomoco · 23/09/2024 16:10

@SoundOfRain thanks so much for your really helpful reply😃much appreciated.

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