Have you ever wondered why some autistic individuals don’t ask for a break—even when they’re clearly overwhelmed? It’s not just about stubbornness or resistance. There’s a deeper reason behind it, and today we’re going to dive into what’s really going on.
In today's video, Susan and Staci talk about something that’s often misunderstood in autism therapy and education: recognizing the need for a break. Therapists and teachers often set goals for autistic individuals to 'ask for a break,' but is that really the right approach?
Here’s the thing—autistic individuals often hyperfocus, making it hard to switch gears or shift from their task. It’s not just about not wanting to stop; it's about not being aware of their own body's signals. Because of difficulties with interoception—the ability to sense what's going on inside their body—they may not realize they’re tired, stressed, or overwhelmed.
Have you seen this happen before? Maybe you’ve been there, thinking, ‘Why don’t they just take a break?’ Share your experience in the comments.
So, what can we do about this? The key is feedback—feedback from you, the therapist, the teacher, or the parent. Listen to Susan to learn how to provide this feedback so that asking for a break becomes a natural advocating strategy for the individual.
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