Emotion regulation: A treatment target for autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Emotion regulation treatments in ASD Reyes et al.

Therapeutic Riding or Mindfulness: Comparative Effectiveness of Two Recreational Therapy Interventions for Adolescents with Autism

“…Emotional regulation involves the person’s ability to change their emotional responses independently for positive functioning, including the processes by which individuals modulate their emotional state through strategies (Reyes et al, 2019 ) and is associated with better mental health (Hu et al, 2014 ). Unfortunately, individuals with ASD often display autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction (Benevides & Lane, 2013 ) with poor emotional regulation, including irritability, and more negative emotional reactions under stress (Quek et al, 2012 ), less use of cognitive appraisal, more repetitive behaviors (Samson et al, 2015a , 2015b ), and less self-soothing behaviors than other developing adolescents (Edmiston et al, 2017 ).…”

“…Unfortunately, individuals with ASD often display autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction (Benevides & Lane, 2013 ) with poor emotional regulation, including irritability, and more negative emotional reactions under stress (Quek et al, 2012 ), less use of cognitive appraisal, more repetitive behaviors (Samson et al, 2015a , 2015b ), and less self-soothing behaviors than other developing adolescents (Edmiston et al, 2017 ). Since an improvement in emotional regulation could benefit both interpersonal relationships and successful transition to adulthood through work or further education, interventions that improve emotional regulation should be considered (Mazefsky et al, 2013 ; Reyes et al, 2019 ).…”

Self-Regulation in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders “SR-MRehab: Un Colegio Emocionante”: A Protocol Study

“…It is considered to have at least two dimensions: emotional self-regulation and cognitive self-regulation. Emotional regulation refers to the ability to control and modulate emotional expressions (positive or negative) and to interact with others in increasingly complex ways according to social rules, adapt to emotionally challenging situations, and inhibit inappropriate behaviors [4]. In this sense, emotional regulation is the ability to influence your own responses, and involves perceiving what we feel, and expressing it appropriately [5].…”

“…In this sense, emotional regulation is the ability to influence your own responses, and involves perceiving what we feel, and expressing it appropriately [5]. In the case of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) [4,6], and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), emotional regulation and the improvement of executive functions are therapeutic aims [7,8]. Although children with autism are known to have difficulties identifying, expressing, and regulating their emotions, and displaying negative emotions, which can be reflected in irritability, challenging or aggressive behaviors, few treatment programs have focused on improving difficulties with emotional regulation [4].…”

“…In the case of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) [4,6], and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), emotional regulation and the improvement of executive functions are therapeutic aims [7,8]. Although children with autism are known to have difficulties identifying, expressing, and regulating their emotions, and displaying negative emotions, which can be reflected in irritability, challenging or aggressive behaviors, few treatment programs have focused on improving difficulties with emotional regulation [4]. ASD has been explained from different theoretical proposals, such as the difficulties of these children to mentalize, that is, to put themselves in the other's place, and to consider that the other is a being with imagination, thoughts, feelings and intention [9].…”