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DeadHeadSticker t1_iu0i8sg wrote

I have a teen on the spectrum who tends to fixate on things. Right now the fixation is past problems that caused stress, some big, some very small. But remembering causes stress and meltdowns, over and over again. How can we help them deal with the issue and move on, or at least recognize when the stress is coming and be able to control it?

Thanks so much!

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BUExperts OP t1_iu0pnvk wrote

I love that you have this wonderful insight into an unhelpful pattern and are talking about it (sometimes it can take years for people to spot this or to even acknowledge unhelpful patterns)! What you are describing sounds like rumination to me - playing the same scenario over & over in your head, perhaps sometimes thinking about the many ways that they're "wrong", and the many more ways things can still go wrong going forward - quite maddening, isn't it?

Sometimes when we are ruminating (one of my patients called it "spinning" when she caught herself doing it) - we may generate thoughts that we later realize don't make a lot of sense. Can you write down some of those thoughts and "check" them later? Over time, you may catch yourself falling into rumination again, but you may become more skillful about reminding yourself that the thoughts you have during these moments tend to be inaccurate and unproductive, and you may feel more capable of / motivated to end the rumination. Is there something that can help "yank" you out of a ruminative state? For some people, it may mean doing something very different at the moment - dunking your face in icy water, going outside for a run (or running up & down a staircase), writing a post-it note that you can look at when you fall into rumination, listening to upbeat music, or talking to a supportive person. Sending good thoughts your way!

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DeadHeadSticker t1_iu0xy4c wrote

Thank you - Bob's Burgers also helps, but is not always available

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Bewileycoyote t1_iu4s8ou wrote

Is there a comedy that teen likes? Images from crabby burger (sponge Bob), etc. while food is not preferred, even use of food with humor. It’s not Bob’s…or food with intent. Tell me how it’s not Bob’s. And engage in a process of recreating Bob’s or making their own better Bob’s.

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