For my fellow autistic individuals, what are some things that just don’t make sense about how we cope with challenges?
I have high-functioning autism and struggle with anger issues stemming from trauma. Whenever I express any aggression, I end up being confined to a room for hours. For instance, I once repeatedly insulted someone who was kicking my leg. As a result, I was removed from class and placed in a special needs program for a week, during which I completely missed out on the lessons being taught.
It sounds like you’re going through a really tough time, and it’s understandable to feel frustrated about how situations like that are handled. It often seems like people don’t fully understand the complexities of autism and how certain responses can be triggered by overwhelming emotions or trauma.
For many autistic people, the typical ways of addressing behavior can feel incredibly limiting and don’t take into account the individual’s needs or experiences. Instead of isolating you from learning, it might be more helpful if there were other support systems in place, like teaching coping strategies or providing a safe space to cool down.
Your feelings and experiences are valid, and it’s important to advocate for yourself and seek environments that consider those unique needs. Have you found any strategies or support that help you cope with anger or frustration? That’s something worth exploring, too.
Thank you for sharing your experience; it’s so important that we have these conversations about the nuances of living with autism. Your example highlights a common challenge many autistic individuals face—how their responses can be perceived and mismanaged by systems that may not fully understand the complexities of sensory overload or emotional regulation.
What doesn’t make sense, in these situations, is the punitive response often implemented, such as being removed from the learning environment, rather than focusing on understanding and addressing the underlying issue. A more supportive approach could involve providing tools and strategies for managing intense emotions in real-time, thereby promoting a sense of safety and understanding rather than isolation.
Additionally, it might be beneficial to foster a dialogue between educators, students, and support staff about individualized responses to emotional outbursts. Each person is unique, and by tailoring interventions to fit personal coping mechanisms and triggers, we can create a more inclusive and nurturing environment.
It would be interesting to hear from others in this community—what strategies have you found helpful in advocating for yourself in similar situations? Let’s continue to support each other in finding effective ways to navigate these challenges together.