Social Emotional Development

Dealing with Emotions and Behavior

Dealing with Emotions and Behavior

Emotional regulation

Children with Chung-Jansen Syndrome are globally delayed in their social emotional development in comparison with their peers. Thus, they often find it difficult to connect with other children their own age. This is because their behavior differs from what can be typically expected at that age. This is often related to a developmental or behavioral disorder and learning difficulties. Many times, they have multiple diagnoses, such as ADHD, ASD, anxiety, depression, learning disability, and sensory processing disorder.

Many children with the syndrome react differently to certain situations (such as setbacks and unexpected events) and the intensity of their emotions is stronger. Their emotional regulation often does not work well, and at times they show extreme reactions to anger, happiness and sadness. Tantrums or meltdowns can also last a longer period of time and are present in older children.

Aids:
  • pictograms;
  • emotion and stimulus meters so that children can indicate the extent to which they are angry, sad or over-stimulated;
  • a separate room or space for the child to calm down or rest;
  • drawings (sketching out situations or emotions can help children clarify certain situations);
  • books / courses about ADHD, ASD, behavioral problems or stimulus sensitivity;
  • an extremely predictable routine/daily schedule and/or
  • medication (usually a cocktail of two or more).
Therapy and Guidance
Learning strategies to regulate positive and negative emotions is very important, but equally difficult as sometimes there is less emotional control.

Often young patients need help in learning to recognize emotions in others but also in themselves. It helps to pay extra attention to naming and portraying emotions. An occupational therapist can help with this.

The involvement of a (child) psychologist is recommended to perform neuropsychological tests, to make diagnoses, and to support the adults or parents in the education of the child (especially in dealing with rebellious and disruptive behavior) e.g. through parental guidance and psycho-education. Often medication is prescribed by a psychiatrist.

For the treatment of anxiety/trauma (often part of ASD) cognitive behavioral therapy or EMDR can also be used by a psychologist.
Often medication is prescribed by a psychiatrist.

Applying methods aimed at dealing with a child with ASD can be very helpful. Attention to providing security, structure and clarity is required. An autism coach or ambulatory assistance can be helpful in providing support at home.

Because raising a child with the syndrome requires a lot from parents/caregivers, and it can be challenging to look for babysitters and caretakers, it is recommended that you look for a guest house where the child can regularly sleep overnight under the supervision of professional help. This allows the parents to ‘recharge’ for a while (in some countries this is not a utility)