Core Challenges of Autism.Emotionality on spectrum

Bill Nason — an American clinical psychologist, «a humanistic behaviorist» as he calls himself — tells us about the emotional problems of people on the autistic spectrum. The chapter 13 of his Blue book «The Autism Discussion Page» is devoted to specific emotional states of autistic people — shutdowns and meltdowns. While emphasizing that both states occur under the nervous system overload, he points on the importance of calm and predictable routine for people on the spectrum. The author distinguishes tantrums as a form of manipulative behaviour and meltdowns which do not have any manipulation in them. B. Nason describes the early signs of meltdowns and the full picture of them and gives us the means for coping. He pays a specific attention to the calming techniques. Interesting recommendations for both verbal and nonverbal interactions with a child in a meltdown are given. Translated from English by L.G. Borodina