TAPPING INTO CALM:

As a neurodivergent parent of an autistic, now adult son, I know that the whole family have had to overcome some unique challenges over the years. Even so, I wouldn’t change a thing as the rewards have far outweighed the difficulties, and I am fortunate to have found effective strategies such as EFT.

I first discovered EFT when my son was 9 years old – I didn’t know that he was autistic at the time. His behaviour was becoming increasingly challenging, and I felt more and more powerless. I could often hear him crashing around as he was getting ready for school, obviously not wanting to go. I started doing what is known as ‘surrogate tapping’, where I was tapping on myself on his behalf. Within a short time, as if by magic, I could hear him calm down, and this became a regular practice. I used EFT to help him get to sleep, and on occasions, he would ask me to do that ‘tapping thing’ when he couldn’t sleep. He never liked me tapping on him or tapping on himself, but to this day, I still support him with surrogate tapping, usually at his request, and he acknowledges its efficacy.

EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques , also known as ‘tapping’. It offers a gentle, safe, and effective way to help manage stress, regulate emotions, and release negative or repetitive thought patterns.

EFT is an energy psychology combining elements of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acupressure. You could think of it as acupuncture without the needles. EFT works by tapping gently on specific meridian points on the upper body while focusing on a particular issue or emotion. The combination of physical stimulation and mental focus releases blockages in the body’s energy system, reducing emotional intensity and promoting healing.

• Easy to use: EFT is easy to learn and use – you don’t have to be accurate for it to work. You can tap on anything, wherever you are.
• Emotional Regulation: EFT can help children manage overwhelming emotions, which in turn improves their behaviour and ability to interact with others.
• Anxiety reduction: Regular tapping sessions can help to decrease anxiety.
• Enhanced Focus: EFT can help improve concentration by calming the central nervous system, thereby promoting a clearer mind.

• Stress Management: EFT provides an effective tool for parents and caregivers to manage their emotional responses and reduce stress levels.
• Improved Parent-Child Relationship: Through regular tapping, parents and caregivers can become more centred, calm and grounded so that they can respond to their children with greater empathy and patience.
• Empowerment: Learning and practising EFT empowers parents and caregivers to take a more active role in their family’s emotional well-being, giving them the confidence to manage various situations.

There are published scientific studies and ongoing research supporting the efficacy of EFT.

• A study published in The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease [1] found that anxiety scores among participants were significantly reduced.
• The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK recognises EFT as a clinically effective treatment for PTSD, which suggests that it has potential for broader applications.

[1] Clond, Morgan PhD. Emotional Freedom Techniques for Anxiety: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease 204(5):p 388-395, May 2016. | DOI: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000000483

Integrating EFT into daily routines can be simple:

• Morning Routine: You can start the day with a short tapping session of just a few minutes to set a positive tone.
• Before Stressful Events: You can use EFT to prepare for situations that you know have the potential to be challenging for yourself or your child, such as school transitions, exams, or social gatherings.
• Evening Wind-Down: Adding tapping to your bedtime routine can help to promote relaxation and restful sleep.

EFT is a valuable, evidence-based tool for families navigating the complexities of neurodivergence in daily life. By supporting emotional resilience and reducing stress, tapping can improve the quality of life for both children and their caregivers, as well as the wider family.

If you would like to know more, you can book a free call with me…