Judy Endow, MSW (2009)

Even the most calm and level-headed among us can't avoid those unexpected moments that cause anxiety, anger, and sometimes rage. But before most let their feelings get out of control, they have the ability to calm down and think before they act. For those on the autism spectrum, however, this process often escalates quickly and without apparent warning, leading them down a seemingly one-way path toward explosive behavior. If unchecked, explosive behaviors can result in a lifetime of anxiety and social exclusion, or worse yet, encounters with the criminal justice system that can have far-reaching consequences.

"Outsmarting Explosive Behavior" is a visual model designed to help decrease, and in some cases eliminate, explosive behavior. The model's positive approach to explosive behavior uniquely eliminates the need or temptation to assign blame - to oneself or others - that otherwise often complicates the process of controlling explosive behavior. In a fold-out poster-style format, four train cars represent the stages in the cycle of explosive behavior: starting out; picking up steam; point of no return; and, explosion. Using this train metaphor, the parent/facilitator and student (older individuals can do it more independently) take a close look at each stage in the process and using stop, go and special stop/yield signs, identify triggers, and design positive interventions to prevent the train from starting out in the first place.

The three-piece package contains:

• a book for facilitators that explains the model
• a large poster-size visual showing the train model with ready made parts that can be personalized
• a workbook for the individual with AS designed to draw out the personalized interventions that will make the model work.

Though designed to encourage participation by the person with explosive behavior, positive results are seen even when the model is implemented on behalf of someone unable to activtely participate, such as nonreaders.