Autism and Managing Anxiety; Practical Strategies for Working with Children and Young People; First Edition

This easy-to-use resource is a compilation of theoretical background and concrete approaches designed to increase understanding and outline strategies to support autistic children and young people who experience anxiety in the school environment. This resource also has practical application for parents, carers and professionals across a range of educational and community-based settings. Using real life examples and case studies, the book explains and explores the different forms of anxiety and their impact across the school environment. Each chapter offers practical information and strategies that may help reduce the negative symptoms of anxiety and help support emotional resilience across home and school environments. Key features of this book include: Chapters aimed at enhancing the understanding of anxiety in autism, considering potential triggers of anxiety, discussion on cognitive theories, social communication and means of assessing anxiety. A wealth of downloadable anxiety management strategies and resources that can be adapted and used by a teacher, parent or other professional. This resource has been developed by the multidisciplinary team at Middletown Centre for Autism, and is a useful resource for the busy parent, teacher and other professionals who wish to provide individualised support strategies for anxiety across a range of settings. This easy-to-use resource is a compilation of theoretical background and concrete approaches designed to increase understanding and outline strategies to support autistic children and young people who experience anxiety in the school environment. This resource also has practical application for parents, carers and professionals across a range of educational and community-based settings. Cover 1 Half Title 2 Title Page 4 Copyright Page 5 Table of Contents 6 List of tables 9 List of resources 10 List of contributors 11 Colour coding for visual supports 12 Preface 13 1. Autism and anxiety 14 Introduction 14 Autism 14 Prevalence of anxiety in autism 15 Causes of anxiety in autism 16 Triggers for anxiety in autism 18 Responses to anxiety 19 Autism and anxiety in females 22 Conclusion 23 References 23 2. Social communication, autism and anxiety 25 Introduction 25 Social communication styles in autism 25 Receptive language skills and non-verbal communication 27 Expressive language skills and using non-verbal communication 28 Social skills and social anxiety 30 Cyclical nature of anxiety and communication skills 34 Conclusion 35 References 35 3. Cognitive theories, learning style, autism and anxiety 38 Introduction 38 Theory of Mind (ToM) 38 Self-regulation 40 Alexithymia and autism 40 Double empathy 40 Executive function 41 Working memory 42 Cognitive flexiblity 42 Visual learning style 46 Conclusion 47 References 48 4. Sensory processing, autism and anxiety 49 Introduction 49 Sensory processing and autism 50 Hyper-reactivity 51 Hypo-reactivity 52 Impact of sensory processing on anxiety in autism 53 Sensory triggers for anxiety 54 Behavioural responses to sensory input 57 Conclusion 60 References 60 5. Assessment of anxiety 61 Introduction 61 Formal assessments 62 Informal assessments 63 Assessment of anxiety in autism 64 Assessment measures 66 Conclusion 68 References 68 6. Anxiety management strategies for autistic children and young people 71 Introduction 71 Section one 72 Removal of the trigger 72 Flexibility 73 Communication 73 Formalised approaches 74 Structured teaching 74 Story-based interventions and social communication 77 Social StoriesTM 77 Comic strip conversations 78 Environmental and sensory strategies 79 Creating a low arousal environment 79 Calm breaks 81 Proprioceptive activities 83 Weighted items 83 Ear defenders 84 Graded exposure or desensitisation 84 Stress kits 85 Relaxation and mindfulness 87 Progressive muscle relaxation 87 Calm breathing 87 Mindfulness-based activities 88 Adapting mindfulness for autism 88 Mindful grounding activity 89 Body scan 90 Mindful breathing 90 Guided imagery/visualisation 90 The happiness switch 90 Section two 91 How does CBT work? 91 CBT in autism 91 Coping statements 95 Self-regulation 95 Affective education 96 Recognising emotions 96 Identifying anxiety and levels of distress 98 Communicating anxiety 99 Emotion thermometers 100 Emotion ladder or traffic light 100 Incredible 5-Point scale 101 Self prompt regulation cards 101 Co-regulation 102 Identifying triggers 102 Identifying emotions 102 Regulation of emotions 103 Conclusion 103 References 104 Resources 106 Index 137 1 Autism and anxiety; "2 Social communication,autism and anxiety"; "3 Cognitive theories,learning style,autism and anxiety"; "4 Sensory processing,­autism and anxiety"; 5 Assessment of anxiety; 6 Anxiety ­management strategies for ­autistic children and young people 1 Autism and anxiety,2 Social communication, autism and anxiety,3 Cognitive theories, learning style, autism and anxiety,4 Sensory processing, ­autism and anxiety,5 Assessment of anxiety,6 Anxiety ­management strategies for ­autistic children and young people "This easy-to-use resource is a compilation of practical, evidence-based strategies, interventions and whole-school approaches designed to support teachers and parents who are working with or caring for children and young people with autism experiencing anxiety. Using real life examples and case studies, the book explains and explores the different forms of anxiety, and their impact on the lives of young people with autism. Each chapter offers practical information and strategies that will effectively reduce the negative symptoms of anxiety and help support emotional resilience across home and school environments. Key features of this book include: Chapters exploring the background and theory of anxiety in children and young people with autism, considering the prevalence, causes and triggers of anxiety, cognitive theories, social communication and means of assessing anxiety. A wealth of downloadable anxiety management strategies and resources that can be adapted and used with individuals or groups of varying ages. Developed by a team at the renowned Middletown Centre for Autism, this is an invaluable resource for the busy parent or teacher, along with other professionals looking to support children and young people with autism and anxiety"--Publisher's description "This easy-to-use resource is a compilation of practical, evidence-based strategies, interventions and whole-school approaches designed to support teachers and parents who are working with or caring for children and young people with autism experiencing anxiety. Using real life examples and case studies, the book explains and explores the different forms of anxiety, and their impact on the lives of young people with autism. Each chapter offers practical information and strategies that will effectively reduce the negative symptoms of anxiety and help support emotional resilience across home and school environments. Key features of this book include: Chapters exploring the background and theory of anxiety in children and young people with autism, considering the prevalence, causes and triggers of anxiety, cognitive theories, social communication and means of assessing anxiety. A wealth of downloadable anxiety management strategies and resources that can be adapted and used with individuals or groups of varying ages. Developed by a team at the renowned Middletown Centre for Autism, this is an invaluable resource for the busy parent or teacher, along with other professionals looking to support children and young people with autism and anxiety"-- Provided by publisher