While planning is often recommended to reduce anxiety in autistic people, there are times when the opposite approach – spontaneity – can be more suitable.
Planning helps autistic people to understand what a situation is likely to entail and can prepare for what they might need to say or do. This often gives them confidence. However, planning may also have at least three negative consequences:
- It creates time for them to worry about the upcoming plan
- It adds a feeling of pressure and expectation (they have expectations about the situation, as well as expectations of themselves about what they ought to do)
- It means that the situation may not flow with their natural feelings on the day
This is why, in some situations, spontaneity could reduce anxiety. Being spontaneous can remove these negative consequences.
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