( Everyday Life with Autism )

You may have noticed that most of my articles are about trying to help parents and educators raise and educate kids with autism. So, most of  the tips I suggest are usually targeting the kids.

But, how about parents and educators themselves? Can they always be in their greatest shape, best mood, and ready to provide continuous help and support no matter what?

Parents, in particular, as well as educators have a tough mission to accomplish. They need to take care of themselves; physically, mentally and psychologically. Helping children on the autism spectrum is a long term commitment, and can be very challenging. They are better off staying healthy and strong in order to play an effective and impactful role in children’s life.

Positive psychology, a new branch in psychology, focuses on enhancing human strengths rather than trying to fix behavioral disorders. Its mission is to help people become and stay happy. Positive psychology does not ignore the important role of the traditional psychology dedicated to healing and curing mental illnesses; they actually complement each other. It is believed that happiness is attainable when people are fulfilled and have reached their full potential.

Do you adopt a positive thinking? Check out the following elements:

A positive thinker doesn’t ignore or escapes problems.

A positive thinker knows that problems are temporary, not everlasting.

A positive thinker sees the best in people, not only their shortcomings.

A positive thinker tries to make the best out of bad sitiuation.

When something bad happens a positive thinker doesn’t spend time and energy in blame and regret.

A positive thinker tends to be creative and proactive to reconcile with people and her/himself to find solutions.

A positive thinker is optimistic and surrounds her/himself with positive thinkers.

A positive thinker always has hope no matter what.

A positive thinker enjoys a longer and healthier life.

A positive thinker has a better immune system, her/his body fights diseases easily.

A positive thinker is less prone to depression and has a stable and balanced state of mind.

A positive thinker can manage stressful situation better.

Are you a positive thinker?

Is your job meaningful and purposeful?

Do you have a strong social network and relationships?

How to apply positive psychology? How to increase happiness?

From Wikipidia: “The purpose of positive psychology was summed up in 1998 by Marin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi as follows: We believe that a psychology of positive human functioning will arise, which achieves a scientific understanding and effective interventions to build thriving individuals, families and communities.”

“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” -Abraham Lincoln

nadia shanab

Tags: Abraham Lincoln, asperger's syndrome, autism, behavioral disorders, clinical psychology, communication, flexibility, happiness, health, independence, organization, parenting, positive psychology, research, social interaction, techniques