The world can be a confusing place for children on the Autism Spectrum. They may find social or unfamiliar situations overwhelming and hard to understand. They can have difficulty working out what others are thinking and feeling. People and situations can therefore seem unpredictable leading children to feel stressed and anxious.
Your anxious child may as a result:
- Insist on routine or sameness;
- Have trouble sleeping;
- Have meltdowns or tantrums;
- Withdrawal from social situations;
- Rely on rituals;
- Stim by rocking, spinning or flapping hands;
- Harm themselves through head-banging, scratching or biting skin.
What makes your child anxious:
- Changes in routine (a relief teacher);
- Changes in environment (moved furniture or new equip in the park);
- Unfamiliar social situations (a birthday party);
- Sensory sensitivities (to noises, bright lights, food flavours/textures);
- A specific fear (sleeping in their own bed, going to the toilet, balloons).
Relaxation and calming strategies could include:
- Taking five deep breaths counting slowly to 10;
- Jumping on the trampoline;
- Reading a favourite book;
- Try using visual techniques and rehearsing stressful situations;
- Visual techniques including visual schedules and timetables can also be useful given children with ASD are often visual learners;
- Rehearsing or practising situations your child finds stressful can help with understanding the situation in a visual way;
- Prepare them beforehand.