Managing Overthinking in Autism

How can parents help their child overcome negative thoughts of expecting the worst?

By Dr. Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD

As a parent of a child with autism, you may have never heard of the term “catastrophizing” and how this overthinking could impact your own child.

Professionals in the field of autism often refer to this term as a cognitive distortion. It can impede an individual’s ability to navigate their day successfully.

What is catastrophizing?

Catastrophizing is when a person begins to develop negative thoughts around certain situations, focusing on the possibility of the “worst-case scenario”.

As with social interactions, catastrophizing can be particularly challenging for individuals with autism. It can cause them undue anxiety and confusion, making daily situations harder to handle at home and at school.

Why does it occur in autism?

Many children and young adults with autism often view the world in “black or white”. They may be unable to see the gray area that can often exist between a “good or bad” result.