Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Avoid frustration with options
Darren,
Here is a trick to help you not get so disappointed or frustrated when things don’t quite go your way. It is common for people with Asperger Syndrome to want things in exactly one way. And it can be very frustrating for you when things don’t happen in the way you expected.
So here is the trick to help you be less frustrated: always remember to have a second option ready in your mind. Think of an alternative, and convince yourself that your alternative is just as good as your first idea.
This will keep you from getting so frustrated, and it will help you not try to control other people.
How does it work? Let’s keep using the example of when you wanted me to play your new game with you and I didn’t want to play. You were quite disappointed and frustrated. So the trick would be to think of a second option that is nearly as good. Maybe the second option would be to play a video game. Or maybe it would be another activity that you enjoy.
The key is for you to think up a second option ahead of time, whenever you realize there is something you want. That will help you keep from being so frustrated when your first option doesn’t come through for you. And it will help you allow others to say, “No thanks.”
Love,
Mom
Here is a trick to help you not get so disappointed or frustrated when things don’t quite go your way. It is common for people with Asperger Syndrome to want things in exactly one way. And it can be very frustrating for you when things don’t happen in the way you expected.
So here is the trick to help you be less frustrated: always remember to have a second option ready in your mind. Think of an alternative, and convince yourself that your alternative is just as good as your first idea.
This will keep you from getting so frustrated, and it will help you not try to control other people.
How does it work? Let’s keep using the example of when you wanted me to play your new game with you and I didn’t want to play. You were quite disappointed and frustrated. So the trick would be to think of a second option that is nearly as good. Maybe the second option would be to play a video game. Or maybe it would be another activity that you enjoy.
The key is for you to think up a second option ahead of time, whenever you realize there is something you want. That will help you keep from being so frustrated when your first option doesn’t come through for you. And it will help you allow others to say, “No thanks.”
Love,
Mom
