Emotional Dysregulation/ee-MO-shun-al dis-reg-yuh-LAY-shun/
Difficulty adjusting the intensity and duration of emotions to match the situation, especially under stress.
Andy says:
Feelings come in like a big wave—hard to ride without support, but not “wrong.”
Detailed Explanation
Common in ADHD/autism and linked to differences in interoception, executive control, and learning history. Triggers include uncertainty, sensory load, social threat, or accumulated stress. Skill building plus environment supports work best.
Community Context
Needs-based framing avoids blame. Co‑regulation, predictable routines, and self‑chosen tools (movement, stimming, AAC) help. Shame makes recovery slower.
Quick Tips
- Name states simply ("amped," "flat"); check body cues
- Lower demands and sensory input first; then problem-solve
- Use short scripts and resets (water, air, movement)
Do / Don't
- Do: validate; offer choices; plan repair after calm returns
- Don't: debate or coach in crisis; don’t punish feeling intensity
Scripts (Examples)
- "I’m here. We can slow this down."
- "Do you want space, water, or a walk?"
- "Let’s circle back later; I’ll message a time."
Scientific Context
Studies link dysregulation to executive networks and autonomic arousal; supports that reduce load and increase autonomy improve outcomes.
Language Notes
Overlaps with RSD, meltdown/shutdown; not a character flaw.
Related Terms
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
Extreme emotional sensitivity and pain triggered by the perception of being rejected or criticized.
Co-regulation
Supporting someone’s nervous system to calm or activate through shared cues: steady presence, tone, breath, and environment.
Interoception
The sense of internal body signals (hunger, heartbeat, temperature, tension) that inform emotions and regulation.
Alexithymia
Difficulty identifying and describing one’s own emotions; common in autistic people and others.
Accommodations
Changes to the environment, tools, timing, or expectations that remove barriers so a person can participate on an equal basis.
Sources
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