Managing distressing news and events
Resources for coping with natural disasters, political turmoil, violence, war and the daily cycle of bad news
Bad news is part of life. Mother Nature and human nature make sure of it. Broadcast, digital and social media make sure we see it. But our minds are also hard-wired to focus on it. It is called the negativity bias – our tendency to respond to negative news more strongly than positive news, and worse, dwell on it. This can influence our daily life and be harmful to our mental health.
Managing bad news then must be a priority in life, too. This is especially true for people with autism who by nature can become hyper-focused on an event or piece of news and are prone to anxiety, both which can lead to ruminating on disaster.
Coping with distressing news and events
Here we provide resources to help you and/or your autistic loved one cope with distressing news and events and how to prepare for and keep safe in troubling times.
Planning ahead
- Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Guidebook
- Family emergency communication plan
- Natural disaster preparedness
Communicating difficult news and discussing disturbing events
- Autism and politics: Coping with political stresses
- Grief and Bereavement Resources
- Helping a child with autism deal with disaster
- Sesame Street in Communities: Community violence
- Support in explaining unsafe situations through teaching stories
- Talking to your child about tragedy: Six tips for the autism community
- Understanding Protests: A teaching story
Getting mental health help
Contact 988 Lifeline for support
If you’re struggling, you can call, text, or web chat with the 988 Lifeline. Counselors are available 24/7 to listen and support you without judgment. Includes:
When contacting the 988 Lifeline, there is no need to reveal your condition unless you choose to. The counselor will be able to support you either way.
The national Disaster Distress Helpline is available for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to be connected to a trained, caring counselor, 24/7/365.
- Autistic adult perspective: Learning to recognize and manage my anxiety
- Self-advocates share anxiety coping strategies and therapies
Staying safe
Contact the Autism Response Team for additional help.
