Give your child space, don't touch them, and keep other people away. Turn down lights and keep things quiet, or give your child noise-cancelling headphones. Let one person speak to your child, but don't say too much. Stay calm and wait.
A child with autism can learn to calm themselves by being taught what to do when anxiety strikes. Provide the child with tools to self-soothe, such as sensory toys, calming books or videos, weighted blankets, a swing set, or even a pet.
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) perceive the world differently, their perception of the world can be a scary experience; therefore, by teaching them rules and enforcing discipline, they develop greater understanding of how the world around them works, and can therefore become more adaptive.
Strategies to consider include distraction, diversion, helping the person use calming strategies such as fiddle toys or listening to music, removing any potential triggers, and staying calm yourself.
Signs of anxiety in autistic children and teenagers
When autistic children get worried or anxious, the way they show their anxiety can look a lot like common characteristics of autism – stimming, obsessive and ritualistic behaviour and resistance to changes in routine.
Keep your turns short at first, so your son needs to listen for only a short time before you praise or reward him. As he gets better at listening and waiting his turn, try gradually lengthening your answers (or those of another partner). We like combining this game with the talking stick or listen/talk signs.
visual stimulation – for example, looking at something sideways, watching an object spin or fluttering fingers near the eyes. repetitive behaviour – for example, opening and closing doors or flicking switches. chewing or mouthing objects. listening to the same song or noise over and over.
The causes of behaviour that challenges for an autistic person can be multifactorial, and can involve physical health conditions, mental health problems and environmental factors (that is, relating to the person's social or physical environment).
For our patients with autism, we often recommend an elimination diet—eliminating gluten, dairy, sugar, corn, soy, and other categories of potentially allergenic foods for one month.
Common conditions associated with anxiety for children with autism include: Phobias, or intense, irrational fears of specific things. In children with autism, such phobias can arise from heightened sensory stimulation such as loud noises (for example, fear of popping balloons at an early age can develop into a phobia).
Currently, there is no medication that can cure autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or all of its symptoms. But some medications can help treat certain symptoms associated with ASD, especially certain behaviors.
Yes. Despite the stereotype, people with autism can be empathetic. In fact, some experience a type of empathy known as affective empathy, which is based on instincts and involuntary responses to the emotions of others.
Two types of reaction are typical of autism meltdowns – an explosive reaction or a withdrawal. Explosive reactions may involve screaming, shouting, aggressive behaviour or crying. On the other hand, less explosive reactions may include refusing to communicate or interact, withdrawing themselves or shutting down.
"It's unfair to discipline a child with a disability."
So, for example, scolding a child with autism for "stimming" or making noise may well be unreasonable. These are behaviors that are part and parcel of being autistic, and it may be nearly impossible for the child to simply "extinguish" those behaviors.
Calmly redirect your child to a different method of communication. For example, if your child usually hits you to get your attention, you can instead instruct them to tap you on the arm and say “excuse me”. Only give your child direct acknowledgment (eye contact, etc.) when they engage in the appropriate behavior.
Two Words: Gentle Consistency
Your child might not understand the consequences of their actions, which can be frustrating. However, you should refrain from any kind of physical or verbal punishment that could have a negative effect on your child. Instead, be gentle with your words and actions.
Background: Emotional and behavioral problems are common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It's still unclear whether children with ASD have abnormal sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and milk intake and whether this abnormality will affect their emotions and behavior remains unclear.