#InclusiveEducation

A new pilot study suggests that strengthening a child’s inner dialogue through guided self-talk could help autistic children manage emotions more effectively. Published in Autism Research, the research introduces Thinking in Speech (TiS) therapy, a remote, structured approach designed to reduce emotional dysregulation for daily life. In Thailand, where families value social harmony and emotional balance, this work offers a timely perspective on inclusive autism care.

Emotional dysregulation—difficulty recognizing, expressing, or soothing emotions—poses a common challenge for autistic children. In Thai households, where calmness and collective well-being are culturally emphasized, outbursts can place significant strain on caregivers and community relationships. TiS therapy aims not to suppress feelings but to strengthen internal problem-solving, potentially easing daily stress for families and improving social interactions within Thai schools and neighborhoods.

A recent study has found that strengthening inner speech through a guided self-talk intervention may help autistic children better manage their emotions, pointing to a promising new direction in autism care. Published in Autism Research on June 15, this pilot study introduces the “Thinking in Speech” (TiS) therapy—a novel approach that could address one of the most persistent daily challenges for children on the autism spectrum and their families: emotional dysregulation (source).

A growing body of research reveals why some people struggle to concentrate or converse in noisy settings—an issue many Thais know from Bangkok’s busy streets, crowded markets, and lively family gatherings. The findings point to a brain-based reason: the insular cortex, or insula, a region that links emotion and perception, may be wired differently in those who are highly sensitive to background sound.

Researchers studying resting-state brain activity found that people who find conversations hard to follow in noise show stronger connections between the left insula and auditory regions. These patterns persist even when the person is not actively listening, suggesting a lasting difference in baseline brain connectivity. Such insights shift the view from personal fault to natural variation in brain organization.

A new wave of research has illuminated why certain individuals find it nearly impossible to concentrate or communicate in noisy environments—a challenge familiar to many Thais contending with Bangkok’s bustling streets or the energetic chaos of family gatherings. Recent findings reveal that this heightened sensitivity to background noise may be hardwired in the brain, specifically rooted in the structure and connectivity of the insular cortex, or “insula,” an area crucial for integrating emotional and sensory information.