Flexibility and females with autism

Dr. Jacqueline Amato

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This column is directed toward girls/women with autism spectrum disorders living in a fast-paced, demanding world.

One of the key ingredients for achieving the best possible mental health is peace of mind. But what does it take to achieve that in the midst of our busy, sometimes overwhelming day-to-day lives?

It has been my experience that flexibility is one of the ingredients in dealing with change of any sort, and it is a primary component of peace of mind. In this column I will present different types of flexibility, along with suggestions for creating flexibility in our lives.

The first type of flexibility is physical. I began the year 2008 by taking up two new challenges, weight lifting and yoga. In the process, I have discovered muscles I did not know I had and have been assured by those more experienced than I that this is helping my “neuroplasticity,” also known as the brain’s ability to remodel itself. I have felt sore but have also had more energy and a stronger sense of well-being since I started.

I recommend launching some type of physical exercise yourself and/or with your child. You are bound to reap important benefits – from better weight control to improved posture and a more positive attitude. In other words, physically challenging yourself makes you stronger! There are countless books, gyms, yoga classes and exercise programs to choose from, and you are sure to find something you will like and that fits your schedule and life style. This can be a fun activity to do slowly with others, including your child, encouraging more physical exercise be learned and incorporated into your day as a healthy way of life.

Mental flexibility is also paramount for healthy adjustments to life’s challenges and changes. Some of the mental flexibility demanded of women involves changing roles and multi-tasking. I know from firsthand experience the numerous demands placed on women these days. Not only do I function daily as a physician, I am also a mom, a student, a wife, a friend, a speaker, a mentor, a writer and an amateur athlete nearly each day.

One of the many ways to sharpen your mental flexibility is doing crossword or jigsaw puzzles, taking a class, learning a language, eating a proper diet, and getting adequate sleep and physical exercise.

When things start getting too much, I use a quick grounding technique, asking myself “Will this [insert whatever issue you are facing] really matter in five years?” This simple exercise tends to put things in perspective and helps me focus on the important issues in life and prioritize accordingly.

Another ingredient that contributes to mental well-being is having a positive, optimistic outlook on life. For many of us, this was not something we were brought up with. One of the most helpful ways to acquire a better worldview is good self-care. We cannot give away what we do not have. A quick smile will be remembered for a while but a flash of anger can ruin a relationship for a lifetime. It is always easier to be around a woman who sees the glass as half full and tries to put things in a positive light than somebody who is constantly nagging and negative.

Social flexibility, another important ingredient in our effort to stay well balanced, encompasses being good at “playing well with others.” Relationships can be very demanding and a lot of work. However, the social reciprocity and the give-and-take you model can teach your children to be better friends and partners. Not being too attached to scheduled activities is a challenge for children with autism spectrum disorders, as well as for most children (and adults!). Allowing for the unexpected can be an adventure but not without a lesson or growth opportunity.

Time is the element that is the most elusive these days. Taking time for yourself, while it may seem like an unnecessary luxury to improve your flexibility will result in greater peace of mind. This then can translate into a healthier environment for your child, your family and even your community.

I hope to see some of you at the gym, in my yoga class or simply out taking a walk and “smelling the roses.”

– Namasté (Sanskrit roughly translated “we are all one”)

Dr. Jacqueline “Jake” Amato is board certified in psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry and practices at Peacehealth Medical Group in Oregon. In her rare free time, “Jake” enjoys running, swimming, and walking on the beach with her beloved golden retriever, “Parker Grace.”

Courtesy of AAPC