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Last Updated on September 3, 2025 by John Hookway
People with autism use many ways to protect themselves. They do this in their minds and with their bodies. Some studies say learning self-protection skills can help. It works best when people practice and get feedback. Look at the table below to see what studies found about teaching these skills:
| Study Reference | Findings |
|---|---|
| Ross and Horner (2009) | Good results in teaching self-protection to kids with autism, but not much research yet. |
| Zeedyk et al. (2014) | Shows that kids with autism face a high risk of bullying. |
| Gunby et al. (2010); Gunby & Rapp (2014) | Says practice and feedback in pretend situations help improve skills. |
| Miltenberger & Novotny (2022) | Supports using active learning to teach safety skills. |
Learning about these self-defense skills can help you feel stronger. It can also help lower your stress.
Key Takeaways
- People with autism can get good at self-defense by practicing. They also learn from feedback to get better. Psychological strategies like denial and rationalization help them handle stress.
- These strategies also help with emotions.
- Physical self-defense skills are taught in martial arts. These skills make people feel more confident. They also help people focus better. Unique coping methods include hobbies and sensory tools.
- These things give comfort and control when things get stressful. Resistance to demands is a way to protect themselves. It helps them stay independent and manage anxiety.
Self Defense Mechanisms
Psychological Strategies
There are many ways to protect yourself from stress. People with autism use mental tools to help with feelings. These tools help them handle tough situations. Here are some common psychological self-defense strategies:
- Denial: You might not accept facts that upset you.
- Repression: You can push away thoughts that make you sad.
- Projection: You may think others feel like you do.
- Rationalization: You might give reasons to feel better about choices.
- Displacement: You can move your feelings to something safer.
- Sublimation: You may use strong feelings to make art or music.
- Regression: You might act younger when you feel stressed.
- Reaction Formation: You can show the opposite feeling to hide your real one.
People with autism also use masking, verbal shutdowns, and routines. Masking means copying others to fit in. This can be tiring for you.
Verbal shutdowns help you stay quiet when you feel nervous. Routines help you feel in control and less anxious.
Physical Skills
Physical self-defense skills help you stay safe. You can learn these skills in martial arts classes. Here is a table that shows some martial arts and their benefits for people with autism:
| Martial Art | Benefits for ADHD/Autism |
|---|---|
| Krav Maga | Builds confidence and helps with emotions |
| Judo | Improves body awareness and discipline |
| Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Teaches patience and problem-solving |
| Karate | Helps with respect and focus |
| Kickboxing | Boosts energy and fitness |
| Taekwondo | Shows progress and brings excitement |
| Kung Fu / Wing Chun | Focuses on body awareness |
| Boxing (non-competitive) | Increases focus and fitness |
Autistic Fantasy
Autistic fantasy lets you escape reality with your imagination. People with autism use fantasy to handle stress and strong feelings. This helps you relax and feel better.
Imagination can help you be more creative. It also helps you deal with hard emotions. Research shows autistic kids with imaginary friends may have better social skills. They may understand others more easily. Fantasy gives you a safe place to think and manage stress.
Self Defense in People with Autism
Unique Coping Methods
People with autism use special ways to handle stress. These ways can look different from what other people do.
Many people with autism make their own coping methods. They do this because daily life can be hard. Here are some common coping methods:
- Doing favorite hobbies helps you stay calm.
- Getting help from family and friends makes you feel safe.
- Using sensory toys can lower your anxiety.
- Deep breathing or meditation helps you relax.
- Music and art let you show your feelings.
These coping methods give you tools to deal with stress. They help you protect your mental health. Using these strategies can help you feel more in control.
Resistance to Demands
Resistance to demands means saying no to things that feel too hard. For people with autism, this is a way to protect themselves. When something feels overwhelming, you might avoid it.
Research shows this is not just being stubborn. People with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) react strongly to everyday requests. These reactions can look like panic attacks.
You want to keep your independence and control. High anxiety can make demands feel scary. Avoiding them helps you feel safe.
Demand resistance helps people with autism feel safe. It lets you manage anxiety and keep control.
Here is a table that shows how resistance to demands is different for people with autism and others:
| Aspect | Autism Response | Neurotypical Response |
|---|---|---|
| Emotional Regulation | Hard to manage feelings, so you resist demands. | Easier to handle feelings and talk things out. |
| Beliefs and Assumptions | Routines and sensory needs make demands feel scary. | Follows social rules and sees benefits in joining in. |
| Coping Strategies | May fight, run away, or freeze to feel safe. | Uses support and flexible thinking to handle demands. |
| Perception of Authority | Authority can feel scary, so following rules is hard. | Authority is respected, so following rules is easier. |
| Flexibility in Daily Life | Change is tough and can cause stress. | Can handle changes without much trouble. |
Knowing these differences helps you see why resistance is not just refusing to listen. It is a way to protect yourself.
Benefits for People with Autism
Self-defense skills help people with autism in many ways. These skills do more than keep you safe. They help you feel confident and calm.
Martial arts teach you how to control your feelings. Breathing and mindfulness help you relax. Group classes help you talk to others and work together.
- Better motor skills help you move well.
- Classes with routines make you feel safe.
- Learning new skills gives you pride.
- Exercise lowers anxiety and helps you feel better.
- Respect and non-violence teach you peaceful solutions.
- Feeling good at these skills boosts your energy.
When you use these skills, your life gets better. You may feel stronger and more confident. Self-defense helps you face problems with courage.
Building Skills
Martial Arts
Martial arts help you learn self-defense. You can pick karate, MMA, judo, or Brazilian jiu-jitsu. These sports help you move better and focus more.
They also make you feel more confident. Many kids with autism get better at talking to others after joining classes. They also learn how to notice things around them. Doing the same moves over and over helps you know your space. You feel proud when you learn new skills.
Studies show sports that use sensory training help you move better. They also help you talk to people more easily. Karate kata training helps you move better and do fewer repeated actions.
You learn best when teachers give you special help. Classes are easier when routines are clear. Autism experts and picture schedules help you know what to expect.
Communication
Communication is important for self-defense. You learn to say what you need. You also learn how to set limits. Speaking up helps you stay safe.
Pretending to talk in different situations helps you get ready for real life. You practice saying what you want and asking for help. These skills help you feel less nervous. They also make you feel braver.
Learning karate helps kids with autism talk better. You can say what you feel and ask for help when you need it.
You can use tools like picture cards or speech devices to share your needs. Classes with clear rules and help from autism experts make it easier to practice.
Situational Awareness
Situational awareness means knowing what is going on around you. You learn to see clues from people’s faces and actions. This helps you stay away from danger.
You use pictures, stories, and videos to learn about routines. Activities like yoga and mindfulness help you stay calm and pay attention.
- Social skills classes teach you how to spot angry people.
- Picture schedules help you get ready for changes.
- Going out and playing with others helps you learn new places.
You feel braver when you know what is happening around you. You also know when to ask for help. Special plans and changes to your space make learning these skills easier.
Self-defense mechanisms help you feel safe and strong. They help you become tougher and more confident. You learn how to know yourself better. You also learn to set limits and control your feelings.
- Helps you stand up for yourself
- Makes your body move better and helps you talk to others
- Helps you do things on your own and control your feelings
| Skill Area | Improvement Over Time |
|---|---|
| Social Behavior | Gets much better |
| Communication Skills | Gets stronger |
| Perceptual Abilities | Gets better |
Special support programs help you build these skills. Practicing often and getting extra help keeps you improving. You get stronger and can handle problems. Your life can get happier and easier.
FAQ
What are self-defense mechanisms in people with autism?
Self-defense mechanisms are ways to keep yourself safe. You might use routines, imagination, or physical skills. These things help you feel calm and safe every day.
What makes self-defense different for people with autism?
You may use special coping methods like saying no to hard things. Sensory tools can help you feel better. These ways help you handle stress and keep control when life is tough.
What physical self-defense skills can you learn?
You can learn martial arts like karate, judo, or Brazilian jiu-jitsu. These classes help you feel more confident and focused. Many people with autism like these classes because they have clear steps.
What benefits do self-defense skills give you?
Self-defense skills help you feel stronger and braver. You can control your feelings and actions better. These skills also help you deal with stress and stay safe.
What support helps you build self-defense skills?
You learn best with clear steps, pictures, and kind teachers. Special programs and extra practice help you get better. Family and friends can help you learn and feel safe.
