Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental and neurological health condition that severely affects the way people communicate, behave, and interact with others. Repetitive behaviours, social challenges, unusual interests, communication difficulties, and unusual moods are some of the common symptoms of autism that can be quite distressing. Herein, you must know that almost 40% of children who are suffering from autism also have a co-occurring anxiety disorder. This is the main reason why autistic children often exhibit anxious and stressful responses. It is vital to learn the symptoms of anxiety experienced by the child to offer precise autism treatment in Siliguri.
An autistic child who also suffers from anxiety has more magnified symptoms such as social awkwardness, sensory sensitivity, and repetitive behaviours. In most cases, these children may avoid social interactions and places that may make them feel anxious. To manage the symptoms of anxiety and autism, it becomes extremely essential to adopt certain coping skills. Some of the frequently occurring anxiety among autistic children are OCD, separation anxiety, sensory-related anxiety, and social anxiety.
Effective Strategies To Manage Anxiety Among Autistic Children
- Calming techniques
One of the best strategies to deal with anxiety among autistic children is by incorporating calming techniques. Autistic children who are also suffering from anxiety often suffer from overwhelming sensations and tension which may further lead to headaches, pounding heart, sweating, and stomachaches. Due to these distressing symptoms, the child might develop inappropriate coping skills such as outbursts and repetitive behaviours.
You can avoid these distressing signs by using varied calming techniques. Some of the most effective self-soothing techniques that you can use are progressive muscle relaxation, slow counting, yoga, meditation, and deep breathing. Remember that every child is different so you have to select a calming technique that works perfectly for your child.
- Learn about the possible triggers
If your child suffers from autism as well as anxiety then the first step that you must adopt is to identify the possible triggers. It is extremely vital for you to understand the things that may have stimulated the anxious response in the child. In most cases, autistic children become overwhelmed when there are any interruptions in sensory stimuli and daily routine due to lifestyle changes or social interactions.
The overwhelming symptoms often lead to anxiety flare-ups when it might be difficult for you to manage the situation. Herein, you must also be able to understand the early signs of anxiety attacks which can include various non-verbal cues.
- Try different therapeutic interventions
There are various therapeutic interventions available that can resolve anxiety symptoms among autistic children. However, before applying any therapies for your child, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with one of the best autism doctors in Siliguri. You must know that getting professional assistance is the best way to resolve anxiety symptoms which can also lead to positive treatment outcomes.
One of the most effective evidence-based therapies that one can use for anxiety is cognitive-behavioural therapy. In this therapy, the root cause of the anxiety is detected so that coping skills can be developed for alleviating the worries and fear. Some other therapies for such conditions are sensory integration therapy and exposure therapy.
- Develop a sensory toolbox
If you see your autistic child being exposed to recurrent anxiety flare-ups then an ideal way to manage the anxiety symptoms is to curate a sensory toolbox. Herein, you should note that the main aim of the sensory tools is to increase participation, enhance focus, and promote regulation.
These tools also satisfy the sensory needs of your child while alleviating the constant anxiousness. You can consider dedicating an area of your room for all the sensory tools so that the child can spend some quiet time in that place during anxiety attacks. Some of the best sensory tools that can benefit your child are-
1. Heavy work activities
2. Flexible seating
3. Oral sensory output
4. Deep pressure
5. Manipulative toys
6. Visual supports
- Adopt new ways of communication
It is quite normal for you to experience failure in controlling the anxiety symptoms that the previous tactics. This is why you must keep experimenting with new communication strategies to reduce the anxiety symptoms suffered by the autistic child. Some of the most helpful ways to communicate that can be quite effective for your child are sequence cards, visual activities, and social stories.
While controlling anxiety with communication techniques, the main things that you must consider are a sense of control and predictability. Herein, you must be able to model the interactions in accordance with the child’s emotional needs.
- Talk with a pediatric psychiatrist
In some serious cases, it may not be possible for you to deal with anxiety all alone. If you suspect that your autistic child is responding well to anxiety-controlling strategies and therapies, then without any delay you must schedule an appointment with a paediatric psychiatrist.
The psychiatrist can offer personalized autism treatment in Siliguri with various anti-anxiety medications. It is always important to work with an experienced psychiatrist for anxiety to ensure that your autistic child is getting the right medications according to his age and health condition. Herein, the doctor will recommend an effective medicine regimen only after assessing the unique anxiety symptoms.
- Create a secure sensory space
Along with selecting sensory tools, you can also consider developing a specific sensory space for your autistic child suffering from anxiety. In this secure space, your child can regroup and calm down during anxiety flare-ups.
In most cases, the anxiety attacks happen due to sensory overload and this is where the sensory space will be beneficial as it can reduce the amount of sensory input exposure. Some of the different types of sensory rooms that you can create as per the condition of your child are sensory integration, sensory modulation, and snoezelen rooms.
- Give your child a fidget toy
Most autistic children manifest their anxiety attacks through repetitive movements which can lead to quite harmful behaviours. To avoid these distressing symptoms of anxiety, you can let your child play with a fidget toy during the attacks.
These manipulative toys can redirect the concerning behaviour of your child in a positive direction with effective coping skills. You must remember that fidget toys are also a great add-on to the sensory toolbox as they manage stress and help your child with sensory stimulation and emotional regulation.
There are many strategies to control anxiety that the doctor may include while planning autism treatment in Siliguri. Remember that an anxiety diagnosis can further increase health complications among autistic children so it is always a better option to get treatment for anxiety immediately to let your child lead a comfortable and worry-free life.
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