Children with ASD and expressing emotions.

As a parent of a child with autism, you may know that your child’s emotional experiences can be a difficult thing to navigate. While every person with autism is unique, there are some common emotional difficulties that are commonly associated with ASD. Your child may struggle to understand and express their emotions in a way that is understandable or recognisable to you. This can make it difficult for you to know how they are feeling or comfort them in difficult emotional moments. However, it is important to remember that your child's emotional experience is just as valid and important as any other person's.

One of the most important things to understand is that people with autism often struggle to express their emotions. It’s not that they don’t feel anything—far from it. They often feel intense emotions, but don’t have the same strategies for expressing them. This can cause a lot of frustration for both the person with autism and their parents. It can be hard to understand why your child is feeling a certain way or why they’re having difficulty communicating their feelings.

It’s important to remember that people with autism experience the same range of emotions as everyone else. They can feel excited, happy, sad, angry, frustrated, and afraid—just like everyone else. The difference is in how they express those emotions. Some people with autism may become very vocal or even physically express their emotions. Others may seem to be expressionless, but are still feeling intense emotions inside. It’s important to look for subtle signs of emotion, such as body language, facial expressions, and changes in behaviour. It’s also important to remember that people with autism might struggle recognising and regulating their own emotions. This can lead to meltdowns or outbursts that can be difficult to manage. In these moments, the most important response is for everyone to remain calm, non-judgemental, and prioritise everyone’s safety, until your child’s anger or fear subsides.

Emotional regulation is a learned skill, and it is important that your child has the opportunity to learn how to regulate their emotions in a constructive way, such as with the help of an occupational therapist, speech pathologist, or clinical psychologist. It is also important to remember that your child's emotions may change quickly and without warning. It is important that you provide a safe and supportive environment for your child to express their emotions. This may mean allowing them to take breaks from whatever activity they are doing, or simply allowing them to express their emotions without judgement. For children with autism, emotional experiences can be particularly complex. They may struggle to understand their own emotions or to articulate what they’re feeling, as well as understand those of others. They may not be able to identify the difference between positive and negative emotions, may be overwhelmed by intense emotions, or may be difficult to comfort.

Your child's emotional experience is unique. Each child with autism may experience emotions differently and it is important to be aware of that. Emotions can be a difficult and complex journey for children with autism, but with the right guidance and support from you and healthcare professionals, your child can learn to manage their emotions in a healthy and constructive way.