Election seasons can be particularly challenging for people with autism, as Providence Community ABA - Stafford, VA, notes, with the increased social and political discourse on social media potentially leading to significant stress.
The sensory overload, disruptions in routine, and the emotional intensity of election-related content can pose unique difficulties.
In this blog, Providence Community ABA will explore strategies to help autistic individuals manage the stress of social media during election periods, aiming to safeguard their mental health.
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Why Social Media Can Be Stressful for People with Autism
Autistic people often process sensory input differently than neurotypical individuals, making the overwhelming amount of content on social media—especially during emotionally charged times like elections—more difficult to manage. The constant exposure to political debates, misinformation, and conflicting opinions can intensify anxiety.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), sensory overload and the pressure to navigate complex social dynamics can increase stress during election seasons (NIMH). The volume of information and the expectation to stay informed or engage in discussions can amplify these difficulties.
Strategies to Help People with Autism Manage Election-Related Social Media Stress
1. Curate a Sensory-Friendly Social Media Environment
For autistic individuals, managing sensory overload is key to reducing stress. Start by curating your social media environment to minimize overwhelming content.
Mute or unfollow accounts that post frequently or share emotionally charged content. Instead, follow accounts that provide fact-based election updates in a calm, neutral tone.
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram allow you to control what appears on your feed. By muting specific keywords, accounts, or topics, you can create a more sensory-friendly space.
2. Set Boundaries for Social Media Use
Election-related content is everywhere, and it can become overwhelming without clear limits. Creating a structured routine for social media use can help autistic individuals manage election-related anxiety.
Set specific times of the day to check news updates, and limit exposure outside of these times.
Structure and predictability can reduce election-related stress and help manage overwhelming situations.
3. Focus on Trusted, Predictable Sources
Election misinformation can cause confusion and anxiety, especially for autistic individuals. To avoid the strain of conflicting narratives, focus on trusted news sources that provide clear, factual information.
Instead of relying on social media for news, turn to verified outlets such as NIMH, SAMHSA, or government websites for reliable updates.
By limiting exposure to unverified information, you can reduce stress and maintain a sense of control during the election period.
Take Time for Sensory and Emotional Regulation
During high-stress periods such as election seasons, taking extra time for sensory and emotional regulation becomes crucial. Incorporating mindfulness practices like deep breathing, listening to soothing music, or engaging in repetitive activities can significantly alleviate election-related anxiety.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) also highlights the importance of taking breaks and engaging in self-care during emotionally intense times.
When the noise of election season becomes overwhelming, consider engaging in activities that are sensory-friendly to help reset and regain balance.
Seek Support and Create a Safe Space for Discussions
Engaging in political discussions can sometimes feel overwhelming for autistic individuals, especially if the conversation becomes too emotional or complex.
Seek out supportive communities where political discussions are respectful and inclusive, or consider joining autism-friendly online spaces that foster calm, balanced conversations.
If you feel comfortable, these spaces can offer the chance to discuss election topics without the pressure of heated debates. Autism Speaks encourages finding or creating safe spaces where discussions are structured and accessible for autistic people (Autism Speaks).
Conclusion: Balance Social Media Engagement with Self-Care
For autistic individuals, navigating social media during election periods requires a balance between staying informed and protecting mental health.
By curating a sensory-friendly environment, setting boundaries, and focusing on trusted sources, autistic people can manage election-related stress while maintaining their mental well-being.
Remember, it’s okay to step back if social media becomes overwhelming.
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