The Autism Family Toolbox

The Autism Family Toolbox can provide help across 40 or more topics.  Here are some interventions covering Generalized Anxiety which is common in child behavior and autism.

Maintain a balance of sensory activities (often referred to as a Sensory Diet) - Because children with Autism often have sensory issues, stress can be triggered by an environment that is either over or under stimulating to a child’s senses. A customized and balanced sensory diet can ward off meltdowns triggered by sensory sensitivities. Work with your child’s occupational therapist to design a diet that will meet the specific needs of your child’s sensory nervous system and help keep it under control.

Help your child anticipate upcoming transitions whenever possible. If the daily schedule is going to shift in the foreseeable future it’s a good idea for parents to begin addressing it days before. Discuss the change with your child using communication tools that work best, such as pictures and schedules, written lists or social stories. Increase your chances of success by allowing adequate time for your child to process the information – this will lead to better acceptance and ability to cope with the transition.

Avoid making quick judgments of the situation. It’s best not to do this because it can cause your child to feel foolish and to hide their feelings from you in the future. Listen to what they are saying and look at it from within their world then base your response around that viewpoint.

When your child shares their feelings with you, don’t dismiss them. Instead, validate your child’s feelings by letting them know that it’s okay to feel that way and that you’re always there for them. While you may think your child is over-reacting about something, their feelings are very real to them. Don’t ever dismiss the fact that they experience the world we live in a completely different way.