Psychologist Carla Mezefsky, PhD dives into the intricate relationship between emotional regulation (ER) and autism to highlight current research findings as well as gaps in understanding and treatment applications. She outlines her collaborative research focused on the timeline and physiological parameters associated with ER to provide contemporary intervention and self-regulatory methods.
In this presentation:
16:55 – Current evidence-based treatments
28:00 – ABCD emotional regulation strategy
30:00 – Signs of Distress Timeline
40:13 – Ongoing treatment research
44:40 – Q&A/Stud enrollment info
Summary:
Emotion regulation (ER) refers to the handling and modifying of emotional reaction intensity and duration. Individuals who struggle with ER have issues with aggression, meltdowns, or other problem behaviors (5:40) in response to an inability to regulate emotion. Generally, these problem behaviors are an attempt to alleviate distress from ER issues. ER treatments aim to develop a more adaptive and appropriate response to distressing situations via increased emotional awareness and understanding.
The presenter makes two critical distinctions:
- ER issues occur when an individual does not have the regulatory capacity or skills to control emotional reactions. (8:15) — these are not temper tantrums or manipulative behaviors.
- ER is concerned with more than the “moment of meltdown” (30:00)
Individuals on the spectrum are at high risk (9:45) of ER issues as many core ASD symptoms and proven differences in brain function are understood to trigger challenges with emotional control (11:17). Further research has shown ER issues prove more reliable than ASD symptom severity in predicting increased anxiety and depression (14:30) as well as hospitalizations and emergency room visits (15:30).
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is the most effective evidence-based ER treatment available and focuses on understanding the connection between emotions and thoughts. Although CBT is evidence-based, almost all studies focus solely on anxiety issues. By contrast, most individuals on the spectrum present with multiple conditions, making it challenging to apply CBT in real-time.
Free certificates of participation are available upon successful completion of a brief knowledge quiz online at: https://www.classmarker.com/online-test/start/?quiz=3795a7257dd853e6
Published: 02/07/2018
Dr. Carla Mazefsky is a licensed clinical psychologist specialized in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Mazefsky was the 2012 recipient of the Ritvo/Slifka Award for Innovation in Autism Research from the International Society for Autism Research. She is the associate editor of the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders and is a past member of the Board of Directors for the Western PA Chapter of Autism Speaks. Dr. Mazefsky’s research has been funded by the Organization for Autism Research and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Her program of research is focused on emotional dysregulation in ASD, including the identification of underlying neural mechanisms, the conceptualization, treatment, and assessment of problems with emotional control, and co-occurring depression and anxiety. While most of her research to date has focused on high-functioning adolescents with ASD, she is expanding to more of a lifespan perspective, and is now conducting research on psychiatric inpatients with ASD as part of a multisite study to better understand and improve outcomes for those most severely affected by the disorder.
Research on non-psychoactive cannabis extract use for autism symptoms
Learn about emerging research on the effectiveness of cannabidivarin (CBDV) on irritability and repetitive behaviors in children with ASD. CBDV is a non-psychoactive chemical compound and does not cause
Understanding Social Development in ASD
Dr. Matthew D. Lerner, Ph.D., discusses social development in individuals with autism. He emphasizes understanding theoretical mechanisms that underly processes generally accepted as social “skills.” The presenter outlines recent findings and discusses their implication
Brain & Behavior: Science of Happiness
What is the #1, most important way to assess if autism treatment is working? If you are a parent, it will come as no surprise….Your child’s HAPPINESS. But many professionals simply don’t
Addressing Symptoms of PANS and POTS Nutritionally
Vicki Kobliner MS RDN is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist with years of expertise in applying a functional approach to nutrition. She develops individualized plans for clients
Implementing Dairy Free SCD for Individuals with Autism – P. Ferro, RN & R Prasad
Handouts for this presentation are available here Most children (and adults) with autism or ADHD also suffer from digestive issues ranging from constipation and reflux
Assessing and Treating Challenging Behavior in Individuals with Autism
Lauren Moskowitz, Ph.D., discusses the complex aspects of challenging behaviors and the importance of conducting a thorough functional behavioral analysis to create effective treatment plans. The talk underscores the importance of recognizing challenging behaviors