Transcript Craig House: - The Watson Institute
Addressing the Needs of Girl’s With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Hillary A. Mangis, M.S.Ed.
Mobile Therapist – The Watson Institute
Background
Boys:Girls = 4:1 Girls not diagnosed until later May over identify with male population
• • • •
Dressing preferences Grooming habits Hair styles Interests
Needs:
Body Image Bullying Communication Dating and Relationships Emotional/Mental Health Friendship
Needs
Hygiene Peer Pressure Pop-culture Self-awareness Self-esteem Sexuality
Madeline – laughs at inappropriate times, uses slang incorrectly, has difficulty differentiating between fantasy and reality and often lacks insight into her difficulties Chavonne –thoughtful and polite. Hums, talks to self, and escapes to fantasy. Has a cell phone that no friends call. Prefers to be alone Bridgette – beginning to realize that people are making fun of her and excluding her from activities, struggles academically Samantha –outcast at school due to past quirky behavior patterns. Has a tendency to talk excessively, particularly when nervous Rachel – odd speech, difficulty processing and understanding others Elizabeth – many appropriate and trendy interests, difficulty relating to others, uses blunt language, gets too silly
Sample Group: Dealing with Emotions
The Watson Institute Girls Group
How to Cope with an Unpleasant Emotion 1.
ACCEPT
your feelings. 2.
RELAX
you act. and take "time out" before 3.
THINK
about ways to help yourself. 4.
DO
something to help yourself.
How to Handle Your Emotions
• Be honest with yourself.
• Find positive ways to express anger that are • Talk to somebody about your feelings.
• Don't ignore your emotions. not hurtful to others.
• Remember, whatever you are feeling, you're not alone.
• Think of something you can do that will help, • If you do get overwhelmed —ask for and then do it.
help.
STRESS!!!!
Stress
Stress is an overwhelming reaction to events
–
Answering questions in class
–
Too much homework
–
Problems with friends
–
Having too much to do
–
Problems with family Feeling pressure, strain, anxiety, constant worry, and/or tension
Body Reactions To Stress
Heart rate speeds up Breathe more quickly Blood pressure increases Metabolism increases
Body Reactions to Stress
Muscles feel tense Pupils dilate Feel full of energy (ready to explode) Start sweating
Signs that you’re too stressed:
Anxiety or panic attacks Feeling constantly pressured, hassled, and hurried Irritable or moody Stomachaches Headaches
Signs that You’re Too Stressed
Chest pains Problems sleeping Overeating Feel sad or depressed Nightmares Trouble concentrating
Stress Check school demands and frustrations negative thoughts and feelings about themselves changes in their bodies problems with friends unsafe living environment/neighborhood separation or divorce of parents
Stress Check
chronic illness or severe problems in the family death of a loved one moving to a new community changing schools taking on too many activities or having too high expectations family financial problems
Ways to reduce stress:
Exercise and eat regularly.
Avoid excess caffeine intake
which can increase feelings of anxiety and agitation.
Don't use illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
Learn relaxation exercises –
breathing and muscle relaxation techniques.
Develop assertiveness training skills.
Ways to reduce stress:
Rehearse and practice situations which cause stress.
– Practice talking in front of the mirror – Role play with your family Learn practical coping skills.
–
break a large task into smaller tasks.
Decrease negative self talk. Learn to feel good about doing a competent job.
Ways to Reduce Stress
Take a break from stressful situations.
Build a network of friends
cope in a positive way. who help you
Limit your schedule –
turn down or decrease number of activities, clubs, organizations to which you belong
Sleep –
Get a good night of sleep
Breathing Exercise
Step 1: Calm your mind Step 2: Maintain good posture Step 3:Breathe in through your nose Step 4: Breathe out through your mouth Step 5: Repeat at least 2 more times
STRESS-O-METER CALM
Now you give advice:
Have the girl’s read letters sent in to girl magazine advice columns. (Make sure advice from magazine is covered).
Have the girls come up with a solution to their problem Review as group. After each one, compare what group member said with what was said in magazine