CANCELLED - The Trauma Experience of Autism: Treatment Implications and Methods

Research is beginning to show that sensory issues trigger a trauma response in the brain creating an increase in cortisol and alerting the reactive limbic region. By teaching basic mindfulness techniques we can begin to assist individuals in controlling the assaultive environment and moving towards emotional regulation. Autism has long been treated using behavioral therapies as a first line of action in the case of meltdown and emotional disregulation.  Increasingly, however, research is showing that reducing the trauma of the environment through sensory integration work can reduce the need for behavioral therapies considerably.  There is an increasing amount of research showing that the environment acts as an underlying trauma for individuals with autism.  Sensory issues, when triggered, create an increase in chemicals that bring the limbic system directly online in a fight or flight response mode.  Treatment with mindfulness and sensory integration techniques can reduce the levels of the negative chemical, cortisol, and increase levels of the good brain chemicals, including oxytosin (the social relatedness drug).  Through the identification of sensory issues, the creation of sensory diets and the implementation of mindfulness techniques we can create a manageable mind for individuals that make them much more receptive to behavioral and social learning models when needed.

In addition to environmental trauma is the very real trauma of social rejection which creates a resistance to social learning in even high functioning individuals.  While there are new nasal sprays with the neurochemical oxytosin showing promise, research is also showing that mindfulness techniques create an increase in oxytosin levels as well.  This chemical related to social bonding and recognition is low in individuals with autism.  The latest research on mindfulness and neuroplasticity holds a great deal of promise for increasing these levels and beginning to assist individuals in emotional bonding and self regulation.

I will discuss a number of ways I have seen this play out in my years in the field and as a therapist teaching mindfulness for self regulation.

Participants in this seminar will be able to:

• Define the ways that brain chemistry changes when sensory issues are triggered.
• Identify the ways that mindfulness practice can be used to reduce sensory issues and decrease anxiety producing chemicals in the brain.
• Describe the various forms that trauma can take with autism and determine sound practices for treating individuals coping with each.

Treating professionals will gain a stronger understanding of the ways that autism creates a very real trauma experience for their clients and will be able to leave with a stronger understanding of how to treat this underlying trauma to assist their patients in being ready and receptive to new behavioral and social learning.

Learning Objectives:

• Define the ways that brain chemistry changes when sensory issues are triggered.
• Identify the ways that mindfulness practice can be used to reduce sensory issues and decrease anxiety producing chemicals in the brain.

Track: Science/Research

Content Area: Behavior Issues and Supports

Presenter:

Robert Cox, M.A., PLPC, NCC
Mental Health Counselor
Life Recovery Consulting

Robert has worked with individuals on the autism spectrum in one capacity or another for 20 years. Currently he is in private practice as a therapist specializing in Trauma and Autism near Kansas City, MO. He is finding some profound results in emotional regulation as the result of mindfulness practice.

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