"Autism and Anger: Improving the quality of life of adults with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders and anger-management problems"

Background As a clinical developmental psychologist I spent the last nine years working in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, with adolescents and (young) adults with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and... [ view full abstract ]

Background

As a clinical developmental psychologist I spent the last nine years working in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, with adolescents and (young) adults with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and anger-management problems. It appeared to me that the anger and violence-related problems these individuals encountered were quite specific and in many cases connected to their “typical ASD-problems” such as problems in communication, difficulties in understanding other people’s intentions, sensory hypersensitivity or the lack of certain social skills. I’ve been told by many people with ASD that their quality of life was very negatively affected by their angry outbursts and (verbally) violent behavior. Most of them were friendly and motivated individuals that just couldn’t deal with certain situations. They would get “triggered” by things like feelings of injustice or unexpected chances that interfered with their plans or expectations.

Rationale

At our Treatment Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Amsterdam we developed a practical, structured, 10 session, individual treatment program for individuals with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders. “Dealing with feelings of anger, frustration and injustice”. We try to address the specific problems that individuals with high functioning ASD and angermanagement problems encounter and empower them to regain control over their own behavior.

Mainpoints

The method combines elements of psycho-education on ASD, social skills training, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness based treatment.

Conclusions

In developing a structured individual treatment method, we try to improve the quality of life of adults with high functioning ASD and angermanagement problems. We are in the process of developing a research project to investigate the effects of the treatment.