Last post I introduced the value of increasing positive emotions by increasing the awareness of people with ASD to the positive events and emotions the person is already experiencing. While this is a helpful beginning, it is often not sufficient to convince an overly critical thinker to think more positively. Belief in new ways of thinking only change when experience changes in a way that backs up new beliefs. It's like with confidence. Confidence only comes when you have a history of previous success to draw upon during times of difficulty. In order to increase both confidence and belief in the value of positive thought, there needs to be an accumulation of positive experiences. For many people with Autism, I believe that the best way to do this is to actively include successes and activities that lead to positive emotions into the daily schedule.
I would start by developing a list of activities that the person can perform successfully or helps the person feel good about themselves. This is not isolated pleasure seeking like playing video games alone, but an interactive and productive activity that the person enjoys and has some skill. The best activities are ones where there is not only success/proficiency, but also the opportunity of giving to/helping others. The opportunity to give support rather than merely receive it increases self worth and increases the enjoyment of the experience. Make sure the person having to do these actions is contributing to the list.
Once the list is completed, designate a specific time each day when the positive activity is to be conducted. The person and caregiver can choose an activity from the list each day. As long as the activities are not too challenging or stress provoking there should be cooperation in doing these. Encourage the person to acknowledge their feelings during the activity. Statements such as "You've been a big help, you should feel proud of what you done" could spur the person to think of other positive emotions or at least help them identify a positive feeling that they may have had trouble putting into words. Once the activity is completed, there may need to be some down time to wind down and recover from the stimulation and interactive activity. Once daily practice of positive activity is begun, experiencing of positive emotions will begin to become real and not just a bunch of words without meaning.
Steven C. Altabet, Ph.D.
I would start by developing a list of activities that the person can perform successfully or helps the person feel good about themselves. This is not isolated pleasure seeking like playing video games alone, but an interactive and productive activity that the person enjoys and has some skill. The best activities are ones where there is not only success/proficiency, but also the opportunity of giving to/helping others. The opportunity to give support rather than merely receive it increases self worth and increases the enjoyment of the experience. Make sure the person having to do these actions is contributing to the list.
Once the list is completed, designate a specific time each day when the positive activity is to be conducted. The person and caregiver can choose an activity from the list each day. As long as the activities are not too challenging or stress provoking there should be cooperation in doing these. Encourage the person to acknowledge their feelings during the activity. Statements such as "You've been a big help, you should feel proud of what you done" could spur the person to think of other positive emotions or at least help them identify a positive feeling that they may have had trouble putting into words. Once the activity is completed, there may need to be some down time to wind down and recover from the stimulation and interactive activity. Once daily practice of positive activity is begun, experiencing of positive emotions will begin to become real and not just a bunch of words without meaning.
Steven C. Altabet, Ph.D.
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