Didlake
  • Donate | 703-361-4195 or Toll Free 866-361-4195 |
  • Contact Us | Employee Login
Didlake
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our History
    • Our Commitment to Quality & Exceptional Service
    • Executive Leadership
    • Affiliations & Memberships
    • Corporate Credentials & Licensing
    • Community Outreach and Partnerships
    • Integrity: Our Whistleblower Policy
    • Blog
    • Didlake in the News
    • News
    • Press Releases
    • Newsletter Signup
    • Contact Us
  • Our Services
    • Business Services for Government
      • Didlake Core Capabilities – NAICS & NIGP
      • We Deliver Expert Knowledge & Exceptional Quality
    • Commercial Business Services
      • Didlake Document Imaging
      • The UPS Store 6631 at Center at Innovation
      • The UPS Store 6656 at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center
  • Our Programs
    • Day Support Program
      • The Community Engagement Program
      • The Group Day Program
      • Volunteerism — A Day Support Activity
      • Tour Our Program Locations
      • Eligibility | Funding & Payment Options
      • How We Work With You
    • Employment Services Program for People with Disabilities
      • Didlake Supported Employment Services
      • Pre-Employment Transition Services for High School Students
      • Transitioning from High School to the Workforce
      • Our Employment Services Team
  • Support Our Mission
    • We Create Opportunities
    • Support Didlake
  • Careers at Didlake
    • Apply for a Job
    • Disability Documentation Requirements
    • Reasonable Accommodations
    • Recruiting During COVID-19 and How We are Keeping Our Employees Safe
    • We Invest in Our People
    • AbilityOne® Program Jobs

Understanding and Managing Stress

Understanding and Managing Stress

May 20, 2020 / Didlake / Blog

Illustration of woman meditating

Stress is part of life

Stress is a naturally occurring physical reaction and it is a part of everyday life. We all experience it from time to time. Not all stress is bad.

Individuals vary in the way they experience, react to and cope with stress. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other disabilities may find it much harder to deal with stress. Stress is not 100 percent avoidable, however, there are things we can do to better understand and manage stress.

Causes of stress

There have been many studies conducted on stress and the long-term effects to adult health and overall well-being. Stress can be a brief reaction to an everyday situation such as being stuck in traffic, or it could be a long-term reaction to a major life event such as the death of a loved one.

Examples of everyday stressors

  • Misplacing or losing things
  • Troubling thoughts about your future
  • Financial problems
  • Arguments
  • Having to wait/not enough time
  • Too many responsibilities

Examples of major life events that cause stress

  • Death of a spouse or close family member
  • Divorce/separation
  • Marital separation
  • Personal injury or illness
  • Job loss

Causes of stress for people with ASD 

Causes of stress can look different for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities.
  • Unstructured time (waiting in line, down time between tasks)
  • Understanding what to do and how to do it
  • Changes in plans/routines
  • Sensory issues
  • Crowds
  • Noise
  • Smells
  • Bathing
  • Clothing
  • Social situations

How to Manage Stress

#1 Get ahead of known stressors

If someone has difficulty waiting in line they could have something to keep them busy while they wait

If someone is stressed about change, explain by using visual supports such as updated tasks lists, calendars or sticky notes

#2 Practice slow breathing techniques

  • View a calming technique information sheet
  • View techniques for relaxation breathing

#3 Practice mindfulness

Mindfullness is a skill. “It is about being right here, right now. Not getting bogged down with your own feelings, your own emotions, and not being so in your head that you can’t see what’s going on around you. So it’s the state of being present, the state of being aware.” (Maria Gonzalez, author of Mindful Leadership)

#4 Use stress management apps

  • View a general list of apps for stress management
  • Learn about these free apps
    • Calm
    • Personal Zen
    • Headspace
  • Read more about stress management 

If you found this article helpful, please forward and share it with someone who who would find it useful.

Related Posts

Man whisking with two adults cooking in background

How to Choose a Quality Day Support Program

May 20, 2020
Green Ribbon Mental Health Awareness Month Message

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May 20, 2020
The characteristics of good jobs can help you find your dream career.

What Makes A Job Good?

January 22, 2021
photo of car looking at front tire

Kick the Tires – What Makes a Quality Employment Service Organization?

May 20, 2020
Work Team with Puzzle Pieces connected together

Working and Interacting with People on the Spectrum

May 20, 2020
boy gazing out window

What is Autism?

May 20, 2020
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our History
    • Our Commitment to Quality & Exceptional Service
    • Executive Leadership
    • Affiliations & Memberships
    • Corporate Credentials & Licensing
    • Community Outreach and Partnerships
    • Integrity: Our Whistleblower Policy
    • Blog
    • Didlake in the News
    • News
    • Press Releases
    • Newsletter Signup
    • Contact Us
  • Our Services
    • Business Services for Government
      • Didlake Core Capabilities – NAICS & NIGP
      • We Deliver Expert Knowledge & Exceptional Quality
    • Commercial Business Services
      • Didlake Document Imaging
      • The UPS Store 6631 at Center at Innovation
      • The UPS Store 6656 at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center
  • Our Programs
    • Day Support Program
      • The Community Engagement Program
      • The Group Day Program
      • Volunteerism — A Day Support Activity
      • Tour Our Program Locations
      • Eligibility | Funding & Payment Options
      • How We Work With You
    • Employment Services Program for People with Disabilities
      • Didlake Supported Employment Services
      • Pre-Employment Transition Services for High School Students
      • Transitioning from High School to the Workforce
      • Our Employment Services Team
  • Support Our Mission
    • We Create Opportunities
    • Support Didlake
  • Careers at Didlake
    • Apply for a Job
    • Disability Documentation Requirements
    • Reasonable Accommodations
    • Recruiting During COVID-19 and How We are Keeping Our Employees Safe
    • We Invest in Our People
    • AbilityOne® Program Jobs
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

you can help create
opportunities too

Discover What You Can Do

Didlake Logo

(703) 361-4195
(866) 361-4195 (Toll Free)

703-369-7141

ask@didlake.org

Support Our Mission

 

Ability One Program Logo ISSA Member Logo ISSA Member CARF Logo Didlake is an ASQE Proud Member

SWaM LogoAPSE Logo Maryland Works Logo

 

WAI Level A Compliant

  • Employment Services Program for People with Disabilities
    • Didlake Supported Employment Services
    • Pre-Employment Transition Services for High School Students
    • Transitioning from High School to the Workforce
    • Our Employment Services Team
  • Day Support Program
    • The Community Engagement Program
    • The Group Day Program
    • Volunteerism — A Day Support Activity
    • Tour Our Program Locations
    • Eligibility | Funding & Payment Options
    • How We Work With You
  • Business Services for Government
    • Didlake Core Capabilities – NAICS & NIGP
    • Expert Knowledge & Exceptional Quality
  • Commercial Business Services
    • Didlake Document Imaging
    • The UPS Store 6631 at Center at Innovation
    • The UPS Store 6656 at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center
  • About Us
    • Affiliations & Memberships
    • Blog
    • Community Outreach and Partnerships
    • Contact Us
    • Corporate Credentials & Licensing
    • Didlake in the News
    • Integrity: Our Whistleblower Policy
    • News
    • Our Commitment to Quality & Exceptional Service
    • Our History
    • Press Releases
    • Newsletter Signup
  • Careers at Didlake
    • Apply for a Job
    • Disability Documentation Requirements
    • Reasonable Accommodations
    • We Invest in Our People
    • AbilityOne® Program Jobs
  • Support Our Mission
    • We Create Opportunities
    • Support Didlake

©2021 Didlake Inc. – All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy.
Website Design by Outer Banks Media

Didlake
Top
  • Donate | 703-361-4195 or Toll Free 866-361-4195 |
  • Contact Us | Employee Login

Document Scanning Services Request Form

Please provide the following information and we will contact you to discuss your needs.


Send Us a Message or Request

Our programs and services help people find competitive employment and get engaged with their community. We collaborate with community members and local businesses to further our mission and successfully effect change.

We want to be sure we provide the information you need to solve your problems and answer your questions. Please use the form below to send us your questions or requests.


Didlake Business Services Information Request

Our business development team can help you identify solutions to meet your business service needs. Complete the form below to start the conversation.


Employment Services Information Request

Didlake has helped thousands of people move through the employment process and become successfully employed. We’re here for you — to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you understand how to utilize the resources available to you.

Please complete the form below to request additional information about Didlake Employment Services.


Request Information about Employment at Didlake

We are ready to answer your questions about job opportunities at Didlake. Complete the form below to contact us and get the help you need.


Create an Opportunity — Support Our Mission

We create opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities. Creating opportunities for employment, community engagement, and personal growth is what we do every day.

You can join us and help change employment and life outcomes for people with disabilities. Together, we can create an inclusive diverse workforce and vibrant communities.


Day Support Services Information Request

Didlake Day Support Services provide opportunities for people with disabilities to optimize their personal, social, and vocational skills. Our services focus on personal growth and learning to promote living a full, responsible, and productive life.

We provide a supportive environment and encourage individuals to experience new things. All individuals are active participants along with their family members, support coordinators, and direct caregivers in the development of their specific program plan. Program plans support the specific needs, desires, and interests of each participant.

Please complete the form below to request additional information about Didlake Day Support Services.