Anxiety: a 1 minute guide about autism

A guide for parents of children and young people with autism

Anxiety in autism can manifest in different ways.

You might see the following:

• repetitive questions or behaviours
• difficulty sleeping or eating
• having lots of phobias
• controlling behavior
• withdrawing, becoming silent
• screaming, shouting and behavioural outbursts
• insisting on routines and preventing changes

To reduce anxiety, we recommend the following strategies:

• identify triggers
• provide structure and predictability
• use visuals
• allow them to engage in repetitive behaviours
• give them time and space
• provide comforting, sensory materials
• prepare them in advance of any change

For more information

• National Autistic Society – www.autism.org
• Happy Maps – www.happymaps.co.uk