Triggers In Dysregulation: Self-Advocates Share Their Experiences and Solutions

The personal success and achievement of many individuals with ASD are impeded by the inability to manage dysregulation. In this session we will discuss this very important topic from the perspectives of individuals who are dealing with this sometimes very incapacitating challenge. Topics will include sensory, social, anxiety, transition and other triggers that can cause overload. Unique and individualized coping strategies will be shared. Q-and-A will be an important part of this session. Dysregulation is a mysterious component of living with autism that is experienced uniquely for each person. While no one person can articulate all the implications of this part of ASD, hearing individuals discuss their personal journey with regulation challenges often offer important insights and solutions to individuals and families and they attempt to manage this facet of their condition.

In this presentation—an extension of the pre-conference session—panelists living with ASDs will explain to the participants how they first experienced disconnection from dysregulation. Then they will explain how they began to recognize dysregulating triggers and how becoming aware of how these triggers could be addressed (or not) with strategies and solutions.

Finally, the panelists will accept many questions from the participants to attempt to give suggestions for participants to consider as they live with ASD in their own lives.

Every person experiences dysregulation. The first challenge individuals with ASD experience is overcoming the disconnect between the negative outcomes of dysregulation with the preceding trigger that is the causal factor they experience. For many individuals with ASD, this disconnect can be quite bewildering and disconcerting. It leaves one feeling powerless and without control—like freefalling—not knowing how one got to the negative circumstance. Thus, Solution One is reconnecting to the casual factors.

Often those around the individual with ASD attempt to find solutions in the midst of a crisis of dysregulation. Solution Two is to allow the individual to reestablish control and only then can an “autopsy” (Myles) be done to reconstruct the factors in an attempt to identify causation.

Once causation is identified, Solution Three is to create a Tool Kit of options to help one prepare for dysregulation. Some tools might include mentally walking through the events of the day to “see” where the missing pieces occur. It could include calling ahead to gather additional information regarding any Hidden Curriculum that was not addressed. Perhaps a script is called for. Or a visual schedule. Or additional time to consider upcoming transitions. Or disclosure? Our panelists will explain what they do to address this in anticipation of their needs.

Solution Four is how we rewind the clock to address a failed attempt to regulate. How to we correct an episode? What do we share in disclosure after the event?

Lastly, the panelists will accept Q and A from audience members with ideas of possible solutions to consider.