By: Regina Koller, LPCC
What emotions are you feeling? How intense are your emotions? Do you know what to do when your emotions spin out of control? Answering these sorts of questions can be very hard for autistic individuals.
Many people on the autism spectrum find it hard to even identify how they are feeling in the moment. They might get overwhelmed by intense emotions or mixed emotions. An autistic person might shut down or become nonverbal when they feel overwhelmed by emotion. If this happens to you as neurodiverse adults, you’re not alone!
In addition to having challenges recognizing and describing emotions, those who identify as neurodiverse adults or children often struggle with effectively communicating their needs to others. They might not know how to identify their needs and so can’t even advocate for themselves effectively.
Executive functioning, including planning, setting goals, and problem-solving, may also prove to be difficult for autistic folx. Becoming independent and navigating life, especially adulthood, can be confusing and complex. In addition, neurodivergent individuals often feel “stuck” or “paralyzed” when faced with a decision. They may become filled with self-doubt or fears, and don’t know how to move forward.
As an autistic person, your life might feel really really hard. Your feelings are valid. I’m here to bring you hope and let you know that there are skills you can learn that will help you!
There is an approach called the “Skills System” that targets these common challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals.
The Skills System is an accessible, modified Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) approach developed by Dr. Julie Brown. This system provides the necessary tools to equip and promote confidence among neurodiverse adults. This approach can be used with children, adolescents, and adults. The Skills System was created specifically for individuals with diverse mental health and learning profiles, including:
- Autism spectrum
- Neurodivergent
- Learning/processing difficulties
- Cognitive challenges that impact one’s ability to self-regulate
- Mild to moderate intellectual challenges
- Gifted or average intellectual ability
The treatment method honors the principles of DBT (mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance). All while accommodating each individual’s unique abilities.
I was first introduced to the Skills System as a contracted therapist for a private clinic serving the California Regional Center population. After seeing the power of this approach, I became a Certified Skills System Coach.
The Skills System approach is structured and includes nine skills, explained and illustrated using helpful visuals and handouts. My autistic clients and other neurodiverse adults took to it easily because of the structure and clarity.
At first, I was impressed with how fast my autistic clients grasped the material and were able to practice the 9 Skills System, both in group and individual treatment settings. I could see their confidence level increase as the clients learned how to label and rate their emotions. They also learned to determine what skills they had available to them depending on their level of emotion, and create and use their Skills Plan. I’ve seen clients learn how to set achievable goals and take “On-Track Action” (skill #3) toward their goals. Relationships with family members improved for clients as they learned how to identify and communicate their needs in a more clear and effective way. Clients reported it was the first type of therapy or coaching that “made sense to them.” It gave them the tools to feel like they had more self-awareness and control over their emotions and decisions.
What Are the 9 Skills of the Skills System?
Skill #1: Clear Picture
Skill #2: On-Track Thinking
Skill #3: On-Track Action
On Track Action helps us take positive steps toward our goals.
Skill #4: Safety Plan
Skill #5: New Me Activities
Skill #6: Problem Solving
Skill #7: Expressing Myself
Skill #8: Getting it Right
Skill #9: Relationship Care
Regina Koller, LPCC
As a Certified Skills System Coach, I have the privilege of implementing this treatment modality to Open Doors Therapy clients who benefit from a more structured, skill-based individual session. Handouts are often provided for skills practice between sessions and to share with their support person(s). Would you like more information about the Skills System approach? If so, please feel free to contact Open Doors Therapy for a free consultation.Book Free Consultation
Begin Therapy for Neurodiverse Adults and Teens with Open Doors Therapy
You deserve support in learning skills such as these to communicate your needs to others. Our team of caring therapists would be honored to help you learn these skills and more with both in-person services and online therapy in Illinois and California. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
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Reach out to schedule a free phone consultation
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Meet with us for a 1-hour online intake meeting with an autism specialist. This helps us decide which services are best for you
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Begin gaining more control over your emotions.
Other Services Offered with Open Doors Therapy
Therapy for neurodiverse adults isn’t the only service that our team of caring therapists offers. Our California-based practice is happy to offer a variety of services in support of your mental health. We also offer individual therapy, parent counseling, and group therapy. In addition, we also offer social skills groups. These include college students with autistic traits, young adults with autism, women who identify as neurodiverse, a mother’s group, and an online parent support group. Please feel free to visit our Autism Resources page for info and helpful resources. Learn more about our services by reaching out or visiting our blog today!
