Updated on September 12, 2024
Autism affects how people perceive and interact with the world and autistic people sometimes struggle with interacting with people and with their emotions. One common challenge faced by many adults with autism is managing anger. This emotion can be overwhelming and, at times, difficult to control, leading to frustration and stress for both the individual and those around them.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, behaves, and interacts with others.
It is referred to as a “spectrum” because it encompasses a wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability.
Some people with ASD may have severe communication challenges and need significant support in their daily lives, while others may be highly functional, excelling in specific areas like art or technology but still facing challenges in social situations or with sensory sensitivities.
What is autism anger in adults?
Autism anger in adults refers to intense emotional reactions that people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may experience, often as a result of frustration, sensory overload, or difficulty communicating their needs.
Unlike neurotypical anger, autism-related anger can come from challenges in processing stimuli, coping with changes in routine, or navigating social interactions.
These episodes may be more frequent or intense because adults with autism may struggle to regulate their emotions or express them in conventional ways.
Ways autism anger manifests in adults
- Verbal outbursts like shouting, arguing, or using aggressive language
- Physical signs of anger like pacing, clenching fists, or slamming objects
- Aggressive behaviours towards others e.g hitting, pushing
- Self-injurious behaviours like head-banging, biting, or scratching
- Emotional withdrawal or shutdowns i.e becoming non-communicative or isolating
- Increased irritability or frustration with minor inconveniences
- Repetitive behaviours like pacing that escalate when angry
- Difficulty calming down after an anger episode
Causes of autism anger in adults
Sensory overload
Many adults with autism are hypersensitive to sensory stimuli such as loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures. When they are exposed to these overwhelming sensations, their nervous system can become overstimulated, causing them to feel immense stress and frustration. This sensory overload can quickly lead to feelings of anger, especially if they cannot escape the environment or the trigger. Sensory sensitivities are different from person to person, but small disruptions in an autistic person’s sensory world can lead to significant emotional reactions.
Difficulty in communication
Imagine trying to communicate what you think or how you feel without being able to. Frustrating, right? Many adults with autism experience challenges in expressing their thoughts, feelings, or needs clearly, which can create frustration. This is particularly true for people who struggle with verbal communication or rely on non-verbal methods to interact. When they feel that their attempts to communicate are misunderstood or ignored, it can lead to intense feelings of frustration, which may manifest as anger. Even seemingly simple interactions can become overwhelming when there are communication barriers. This can cause anger to build up over time.
Changes in routine
Many individuals on the spectrum rely heavily on predictable routines and structures to feel secure and in control. When their routine is suddenly disrupted or when unexpected changes occur, it can cause anxiety and stress. This sense of uncertainty can quickly escalate into anger, particularly if they are not given enough time to adjust to the change. For many adults with autism, stability and routine provide a key sense of safety, and when that is threatened, feelings of anger may arise as a form of coping.
Social interactions
Another cause of autism anger in adults is difficulty in navigating social interactions. This can be difficult for individuals on the spectrum, as they may sometimes struggle to interpret social cues, body language, or the intentions of others. Misunderstandings during social interactions can cause feelings of confusion and frustration. When these challenges build up over time or in particularly stressful social environments, anger can be a response to emotional discomfort. The constant pressure to interact in a socially acceptable manner can be overwhelming and often lead to emotional outbursts.
Emotional regulation issues
A lot of individuals with autism find it difficult to manage or regulate their emotions, which means that frustration, anxiety, or stress can escalate into anger more quickly than in neurotypical individuals. They may struggle to process these feelings in real time, making it hard to calm down once anger starts to rise. This difficulty in emotional self-regulation can turn minor frustrations into big emotional events, often resulting in outbursts of anger that may seem insignificant to the initial situation.
>> ALSO READ: Signs of Autism
How to manage autism anger in adults
1. Identify and avoid triggers
The first step in managing autism anger is identifying the specific triggers that lead to outbursts. You can keep a journal of when and where these episodes occur to help pinpoint patterns. Once triggers are identified, it’s easier to avoid or minimize exposure to them. For instance, if sensory overload is a trigger, creating a sensory-friendly environment with minimal noise and soft lighting can help in reducing instances of an anger outburst.
2. Develop communication skills
Good communication skills can significantly reduce frustration and anger. This may involve working with a speech therapist or using alternative communication methods, such as visual aids, sign language, or communication apps. Clear and consistent communication with others is important in preventing misunderstandings that could lead to anger. When communication is clear, the feeling of frustration is reduced.
3. Establish a routine
A consistent routine provides a sense of security and predictability, which can help reduce anxiety and anger. Adults with autism often thrive in environments where they know what to expect. If changes are unavoidable, it is important to give advance notice and explain what to expect to help ease the transition. If possible, creating a new routine can help them adjust better and manage the situation.
4. Practice relaxation techniques
Some techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation can help calm the mind and body. These techniques can be particularly useful during moments of rising anger, allowing the person to regain control before the anger escalates. It might not always work for every situation but with continued practice, you will become better at relaxing.
5. Use physical activity as an outlet
Physical activity is a natural way to release pent-up energy and reduce stress. Engaging in regular exercises like walking, running, swimming, or a favourite sport can help manage anger. For some adults with autism, activities like yoga or tai chi, which combine movement with mindfulness, can be particularly beneficial. Instead of being angry at someone or a situation, engaging in physical activities is a good way to manage the situation.
6. Create a safe space
Everybody needs a safe space. For adults dealing with autistic anger, having a designated safe space to retreat when feeling overwhelmed can prevent anger from escalating. As with a safe space, this space should be free from sensory triggers and offer a calming environment. It could include items that help soothe, such as soft blankets, favourite books, or calming music. If it’s not possible to access a physical location at any point, you can create safe spaces in texts, songs, people you can call, etc.
7. Utilize positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a good strategy to encourage the adoption of new coping strategies. Praising or rewarding calm behaviour during stressful situations reinforces the idea that managing anger positively leads to good outcomes. Over time, this can help adults with autism develop healthier ways to cope with their emotions, as they can see that managing anger can lead to positive feelings.
>> ALSO READ: How to Handle Aggressive Behaviour in Residential Care
How to support adults struggling with autism anger
1. Understand the triggers
Supporting adults who struggle with autism anger begins by identifying the triggers that cause emotional outbursts. These triggers could be from anything around them to emotions they are feeling in the moment. Observing patterns and keeping track of when and where these anger episodes occur can help pinpoint specific causes. Once these triggers are understood, it becomes easier to create strategies to avoid them. Establishing a predictable environment, minimizing disruptive changes, and communicating beforehand when changes are going to happen can significantly reduce the chances of anger flaring up.
2. Create a safe environment
Creating an environment that is sensory-friendly is important for helping adults with autism manage their anger. Many individuals on the spectrum are hypersensitive to sensory inputs like sound, light, and touch, so minimizing these stressors can provide relief. Reserve a quiet, calming space that is free from these sensory triggers where the person can go if they feel overwhelmed. This space can serve as a place to regain composure before anger escalates. The goal is to create an atmosphere that is both physically and emotionally comfortable for them.
3. Encourage open communication
Effective communication is key to reducing frustration and, by extension, anger in adults with autism. Many individuals on the autism spectrum struggle with expressing themselves verbally. It often leads to misunderstandings and heightened emotions. You can offer alternative communication tools like visual aids, writing, or specialized communication apps to help them express their thoughts and needs more clearly. In addition, it’s important to be patient and listen attentively. Avoid interrupting, and give them time to articulate their feelings. Feeling understood and heard can go a long way in preventing anger from taking hold.
4. Teach coping strategies
It’s one thing to try to manage anger, it’s another to have the tools that are needed. Providing adults with autism the tools they need to manage their emotions is a good way to prevent anger. You can teach them relaxation techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or progressive muscle relaxation as practical ways to stay calm in stressful situations. Regular physical activity is another valuable coping mechanism, as exercise can help release pent-up energy and reduce overall stress levels. Encouraging them to engage in activities like walking, meditation, or running can give them a healthy outlet for their emotions and help keep their anger in check.
5. Use positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective way to encourage the adoption of healthier coping mechanisms for managing anger. Rewarding calm behavior with praise or small incentives can reinforce the idea that there are appropriate ways to deal with frustration. Over time, this method helps individuals with autism learn that staying calm and using effective coping strategies lead to positive outcomes, which reduces the frequency and intensity of anger outbursts. Consistently rewarding progress, no matter how small, helps build long-term emotional regulation skills.
6. Seek professional help
In many cases, professional intervention is key for helping adults with autism manage their anger. Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach them to recognize the thought patterns and behaviours that lead to anger, providing them with strategies to cope more effectively. Occupational therapy, particularly sensory integration therapy, can also be beneficial in managing sensory-related triggers. Working with professionals who specialize in autism can offer personalized ways to address the unique challenges these individuals face when dealing with emotions.
7. Build a supportive network
Building a strong support network is key to helping adults with autism manage their anger. Family and friends play an important role by being understanding, patient, and offering encouragement. Educating loved ones about the specific challenges faced by individuals with autism can promote a more supportive and compassionate environment. Additionally, joining support groups whether in-person or online can offer practical advice and a sense of community. These groups can help the autistic individual and their caregivers get access to people with shared experiences and strategies for managing anger.
What is the stop-think technique for autism anger?
The stop-think technique is a cognitive strategy used to help individuals with autism manage anger by encouraging them to pause and reflect before reacting.
When a situation that induces anger comes up, the person is prompted to mentally or physically “stop” and take a moment to think about the situation.
This brief pause allows them to assess their emotions, identify the trigger, and consider alternative responses.
By interrupting the immediate impulse to react with anger, the stop-think technique gives individuals time to process their feelings and choose a more controlled or appropriate response, helping to reduce outbursts and improve emotional regulation.
How can I calm an autistic person?
Offer them space and time to process their emotions without pressuring them to communicate right away. Use simple, clear language or alternative communication methods like visual aids if needed.
Gentle reassurance or offering a preferred calming activity, such as listening to soothing music or engaging in a repetitive task, can help.
If they have a specific calming space, guide them there to help them feel more secure and regain control of their emotions.
What medication is used for autism anger?
Medications used to manage autism-related anger usually aim to address underlying issues such as irritability, anxiety, or aggression. Commonly prescribed medications include antipsychotics like risperidone and aripiprazole for treating irritability in individuals with autism.
Other medications such as mood stabilizers, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or stimulants may also be used to help manage co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or ADHD, which can contribute to anger. However, medication is usually part of a broader treatment plan that includes behavioural therapy and other interventions and should be prescribed by qualified medical personnel.
Conclusion
Dealing with autism anger in adults requires a compassionate, patient, and proactive approach. But first, there’s a need to understand the underlying causes of anger before implementing strategies to manage it. Adults with autism can live more fulfilling lives with reduced stress and frustration if they get to have fewer anger outbursts. There are numerous ways to help adults with autism navigate their emotions and create a sense of calm and well-being that will make a big difference in the quality of their lives.
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