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STRESS…We all experience it sometimes, but some more than others. For those with neurological disorders such as Autism, ADHD, PTSD, Dementia, Anxiety, and Depression, stress can impact their daily living and quality of life.
This is one of the areas I sought out to research in depth years ago when my son with Autism was a teenager and was experiencing big hormonal changes and stress was definitely an issue. At this time, not much research had been done so through trial and error, we finally found ways to decrease his cortisol levels from stress and support his social emotional growth at the same time. When we did identify which worked for him, it was a game changer! His cognition went up and although he was not able to easily verbally communicate in certain settings, he was able to develop an incredible ability to write. Still today, at 24 years old he uses many of the same techniques and supplements to handle life’s stressful ups and downs.
WHAT IS CORTISOL AND HOW DOES IT RELATE TO STRESS
Our brain is designed to have a balance of chemical hormones that constantly send and receive messages back and forth across its four hemispheres. When we experience stress, the hormone Cortisol is secreted from the adrenal glands and sent to the brain as a response to keep the brain alert to danger. However, if one often experiences stress or has a disorder where the brain functions differently or abnormally, this hormone can increase to levels that are not healthy. Problems such as difficulties with concentration and focus, memory, communication, social and emotional, irritability, and behavior issues often arise.
HOW TO LOWER CORTISOL
* Obviously avoid stressful situations
* Get quality sleep 7-9 hours per night to ensure you go through the stages of the
sleep cycle which are: Light, Deep, and REM, Rapid Eye Movement (dream state)
* Do not skip meals (This lowers blood sugar and causes the body to produce
cortisol resulting in irritability and stress)
* Exercise (immediately reduces Cortisol and stress)
* Belly Breathing: Sit or lie down and place one hand on your belly and the other on
your chest. Inhale deeply through your nose, feeling your belly push your hand
out, and then exhale slowly through pursed lips. Repeat this 3–10 times.
* Participate in Activities You Enjoy such as Art or Music (this engages the reward center
of the brain producing Dopamine and Serotonin,”feel good” chemicals and
therefore reducing stress)
* yoga, meditation, or prayer
* Encourage them to talk to you or someone they feel comfortable
* Write in a daily journal
MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE HIGH LEVELS OF STRESS ARE OFTEN DEFICIENT and may need to take:
* Magnesium (essential mineral for the body that that calms the nervous system by
directing the neurotransmitters in the brain to where they need to go)
* L-Tyrosine (amino acid in the body that is a precursor to dopamine and serotonin)
Because the human body is ever changing throughout our lifetime and no two bodies are the same, you may have to change techniques according to their needs. As science and research develops new solutions will come forth, but until then I hope this helps.
Sending love, hope, and prayers from this mom to you to your finding answers and solutions that will bring your loved one to “their best self.”Management
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Autism and Literal Understanding
I have several stories to share. Here is one that taught me that we have to watch our words. I sat waiting in the doctor’s office with my son in my lap. Another mother sat down beside me with her son. She appeared to be a very doting mother holding her own child and talking with him in a very sweet voice. However, I noticed the little boy seemed very preoccupied with something outside the window. He even looked scared as he kept looking from his mother to the window in such a serious manner for such a young child. She consoled him and gave him his Ipad and then he seemed content. My son sat beside me performing his favorite pass time, drawing super heros. Both boys were inches apart, buy did not interact. We talked for a little while and realized that both of our children had language delays and were on the Autism Spectrum. We shared some commonalities with each other as well as advise that each had to offer. Funny how much we can learn from a complete stranger. Suddenly, the little boy wiggled from his mother’s lap and ran to the waiting room door. He appeared to be trying to lock it. He ran back to his mother with panic on his face and said the bad man’s out there. We both looked at each other. She asked him, “what bad man?” In the most serious manner that a six year old could possibly portray said, “the kidnapper is out there.” We both looked confused, but then a realization came across her face. She replied to her son, “honey mommy is so sorry I scared you when I talked to you about this yesterday. There are no kidnappers out there, you are safe.” She hugged him close for a good minute and he seemed again to be content. He returned to his Ipad and she explained to me that the day before, he had hidden in the clothes rack at the department store they were at and scared her half to death. At the time he was only a foot away, but when she realized he was not by her side she panicked and circled around each of the racks in the area. After calling his name repeatedly in a panicked cry, he appeared in front of her. She said she grabbed him up and told him never to do that again. There are kidnappers who want to take little children away from their mamas.” She and I talked a little longer and both of us realized how impactful our words can be, especially to a 7 year old child with Autism. It was after this moment I began creating simple stories that my son could relate to that could teach him what to do and how to act in various situations. These types of stories are now known to be social stories, which I will talk about more in a later post. Children with Autism often take our words literal so it is very important that we speak explicitly and if possible show them visuals and/or a demonstration of what we want them to learn and understand.
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We will work with you to create a personalised plan to help you achieve your financial goals.
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We will work with you to create a personalised plan to help you achieve your financial goals.
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We will work with you to create a personalised plan to help you achieve your financial goals.
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We will work with you to create a personalised plan to help you achieve your financial goals.