In the final part of the three-part interview, psychologist Sonja Franziska Schröter explains how autistic people can strengthen their self-acceptance. She gives examples of stressful situations, how to manage them, and explains why planned recovery phases are so important.
How do you help your clients to reduce self-rejection and increase self-awareness?
Firstly, psychoeducation is an important part of the sessions. “Atypical” neurological developments are natural human differences. It’s not inferior, it’s just “different” and just as legitimate as neurotypical developments.
The focus is placed on strengths and on the necessary behaviours that these strengths need in order to emerge. I need to understand and like my own brain and stop working against it.
For example, it is very important for many people to have a routine, have plans and be able to stick to them, integrate breaks and avoid spontaneity as much as possible.
Masking in particular is addressed in order to avoid overwhelming oneself and to find an appropriate way of dealing with it.
What are some common stressful situations?
Everything that happens spontaneously, unexpectedly and unprepared is not always easy to process. Social interactions per se can be experienced as a stressful situation, especially if it is difficult to read non-verbal language, recognise facial expressions or some idioms are still unfamiliar.
When people are asked to do something against their interest or against their convictions, this can also trigger stress. And it should always be noted that stress triggers are individual. Situations are analysed in the sessions and strategies are discussed together to deal with the stress appropriately or to eliminate the stress trigger from life.
Which coping strategies help many people?
This varies greatly from person to person. Generally speaking, routines and plans provide security for all of us. They also set awareness processes in motion by enabling the individual to understand the background to their own behaviour.
How do you recommend that autistic people organise their recovery periods or what ideas do they come up with themselves?
It is usually important to plan recovery phases too. Simply saying that I have time for myself can lead to excessive demands. No matter which behaviour leads to relaxation, it should be given space.
The “atypical” brain is often “extremely” busy. It is often difficult to manage the thoughts that arise. It is therefore essential that people take breaks to give their brain a rest.