Individuals with ASDs commonly have a
Adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including Asperger's and autism, are prone to anger outbursts. An 'on-off' quality during which individuals may be calm one second and then have an autism outburst in the next is common.
Meltdowns can look like any of these actions: withdrawal (where the person zones out, stares into space, and/or has body parts do repetitive movements) or outward distress (crying uncontrollably, screaming, stomping, curling up into a ball, growling, etc.).
High-functioning autism and the rage cycle
The rage cycle consists of three stages: The rumbling stage or the anger build-up stage includes repetitive behaviors such as rocking and pacing, covering ears with hands, suddenly becoming very tense, and threatening others.
Aggression in autism can involve severe tantrums, anger, hostility, sudden-onset violent outbursts including self-harm and rage 'episodes'. Up to 20% of individuals with autism exhibit such violent behaviours.
People with Asperger profiles absolutely do have feelings, although they may have difficulty identifying and discussing them. In fact, many feelings – such as fear, anger and joy – seem to be experienced more intensely by those with Asperger profiles than by average people.
Not all meltdowns look alike: There are a variety of behaviors that occur when a child has lost the ability to stay calm or regulated. They might fall down, act out, cry, swear, scream, throw things, hit themselves or others, run away from you, or bite. Meltdowns can last from minutes to hours.
What is a meltdown? A meltdown is where a person with autism or Asperger's temporarily loses control because of emotional responses to environmental factors. They aren't usually caused by one specific thing. Triggers build up until the person becomes so overwhelmed that they can't take in any more information.
Risperidone (Risperdal®)
Risperidone is an antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medication and is also used for treatment of irritability of autism and tic disorders.
Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication given to kids who have extreme behavior problems like being very aggressive or angry. It's sometimes used for kids with autism, ADHD or ODD (oppositional defiant disorder) who are acting out in dangerous ways.
People with this disorder have difficulty in a variety of situations and, as a result, they are prone to angry outbursts. These outbursts generally happen because the person has trouble identifying their emotions or expressing them.
Difficulty regulating emotions and anxiety, such as, being quick to anger, easily offended and upset, displaying tantrums and sulking. brooding and holding grudges over small incidents, often for extended periods.
A meltdown is a vulnerable time for an autistic person, particularly autistic children, so it's important that they feel safe and can trust whoever may be caring for them. Tantrums, however, occur when a child loses their temper or something is happening that doesn't go their way.
People on this end of the autism spectrum may display characteristics including: Hypersensitivities (to lights, sounds, tastes, etc.) Difficulty with the give and take of conversation. Difficulty with nonverbal conversation skills (distance, loudness, tone, etc.)
For people with Asperger Syndrome (AS), this stress can be particularly difficult to manage. On a daily basis people with AS must fit into a world that seems totally foreign to them and this can increase feelings of alienation and anxiety, making life's challenges especially hard to cope with.
Angry outbursts or crying fits may erupt when an Aspie's emotional reservoir overflows. Perhaps in part because Aspies cannot easily access our emotions, we cannot easily regulate them.
Verbally expressing love
You may find your partner with Asperger's doesn't say “I love you,” or express their emotions, as often as you need them to. Mendes says this may be because, to your partner, the love between you two has already been established. They might see no need to vocalize emotions any further.
The Asperger's mind enjoys and focuses on details, while the normal mind is more skilled at assembling whole concepts from details. Some people with Asperger's are visual thinkers and others are math, music, or number thinkers, but all think in specifics.
Another characteristic of Asperger's Syndrome is sensitivity to particular levels of illumination, colours or a distortion of visual perception. Some people with AS report being “blinded by brightness” and avoid intense levels of illumination.
People with high functioning autism often are aware of their challenges and social deficiencies, sometimes causing repetitive thoughts about this, leading to anger and possible aggression.
Yelling at children with autism can cause depression and negatively impact the emotional wellbeing of the child.