Overview

The objective of the study is to learn about and manage emotions such as anxiety and anger. The activities are aimed at identifying and managing emotions such as anxiety and anger, through the recognition of the changes that occur at a physiological, cognitive, behavioral and communicative level. In the first sessions, children will be exposed to the emotion of happiness through pleasant activities and involved in relaxation exercises. In subsequent sessions, anger and then anxiety will be addressed first. Social tools will be introduced and ways of thinking and perspective useful to children will be addressed. Furthermore, they will learn to use all the tools and strategies necessary to face and overcome the various emotions and situations in a functional manner. In the final sessions, children will work to design a cognitive-behavioral intervention program for themselves and other group members to improve the management of anxiety and anger. The expected results concern the acquisition of adequate emotional regulation; the construction of functional thoughts, social tools, thinking and perspective tools, adequate strategies for managing emotions; the design of a cognitive-behavioral intervention program in daily life and the strengthening of relational, social, empathic and resilient skills within the peer group and families.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Proven diagnosis of autism;
• QS ≥ 75;

Exclusion Criteria:

• presence of other medical disorders