Emotion Regulation and Emotional Distress in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Foundations and Considerations for Future Research.

Mazefsky (2015) wrote a narrative review. The authors mapped what we know and don’t know about emotion regulation in autism. They looked across the lifespan. They flagged gaps that future studies must fill.

The review shows emotion regulation in ASD is patchy. Some people struggle to name feelings. Others can name them but can’t calm down. These gaps feed anxiety, depression, and meltdowns. The paper calls for targeted interventions instead of generic social-skills packages.

Nuebling et al. (2024) later pooled data from many labs. Their meta-analysis proves autistic people show more emotion dysregulation than peers. This hard number backs up A’s early warning.

Taylor et al. (2017) and Fredriksen et al. (2025) show the trouble starts young. Preschoolers with autism already score one standard deviation above peers on dysregulation scales. A’s lifespan view now includes toddlers.

Ben Hassen et al. (2023) point to two hidden drivers: alexithymia and weak interoception. Adults who can’t feel their own heartbeat have a harder time cooling off. A’s broad call now has specific levers you can teach.

Stop treating meltdowns as only “problem behavior.” First ask, “Can this client name and tame the feeling inside?” Add alexithymia and interoception checks to your intake. Write goals for identifying body cues, not just “stay calm.” You will shrink psychiatric referrals and boost quality of life.