Anxiety in neurodiverse children
Anxiety can show up in different ways. Some common signs of anxiety include:
- dry mouth
- fast heartbeat
- shallow breathing
- tense muscles
Neurodiverse children may feel anxiety in different ways. They might not always know they’re anxious. For example, they may grind their teeth or lose their appetite without realising why.
It helps to notice what’s normal for your child. If something changes, write it down. This can help when speaking to a professional.
Support for anxiety
Sometimes, anxiety is caused by unhelpful thoughts or irrational thinking. This is known as anxiety disorder. In these cases, therapy can help.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy. It helps people change unhelpful thoughts. It works well for many people, but not always for neurodiverse children.
A professional can work with your child to find the right support.
Some children already think clearly and logically. Their anxiety might come from real problems such as noisy corridors or bright lights, not from their thoughts. This is called 'dread'. In these cases, changing the environment and using calming tools can help, while therapy will not.
Examples of calming tools include:
- wearing soft or tight clothing
- using a weighted blanket
- moving around
- listening to music or white noise
- sitting in silence
- quiet spaces
Some children feel better when they use their senses in certain ways. These calming tools can help calm the nervous system.
Understanding the body’s signals
Some children find it hard to notice how their body feels or what their body is telling them. This can make it harder to know how they feel. For example:
- proprioception – help us know where our body is
- vestibular sense – helps with balance and movement
- interoception – helps us feel hunger, thirst, pain or needing the toilet
If your child finds it hard to notice these signals, they may also find it hard to know how they feel emotionally.