Catastrophe or lemonade?

Asperger individuals tend to catastrophize events and situations, focussing on the negative or worst aspects of every situation, and the possibility of failure. Try to redirect thoughts to a more positive, happy and motivated state of mind. I like to call it the "what if's".

I always try to have the answer ready before such questions occur, like "If it's raining and we have to cancel the BBQ, we'll go to the movies instead?" As ASD parents we tend to think of all the possible answers well before they're asked. This helps avoid a meltdown from our loved one because an unexpected change.

Always try to redirect to a positive solution, but if your Autistic loved one is really 'stuck' on having a BBQ, think outside the square - if it's raining you can have an inside BBQ and move the furniture to put down a picnic rug! Find a way to turn those lemons into lemonade!

?Nelle Frances 2015