Autism and Understanding Anxiety: Autistic Children and Young People with High Care and Education Needs

Autism and Understanding Anxiety: Autistic Children and Young People with High Care and Education Needs Anxiety is a common and understandable response for many autistic children and young people, particularly in environments that are unpredictable, sensory intense, or socially demanding. Anxiety is not a weakness; it is a signal that something in the environment or expectation is not aligned with the child's needs. Parents and family members, as the people who know their child best, are often the first to notice subtle changes that indicate rising stress. Collaboration between home and school is essential in responding to anxiety in a way that maintains trust and safety. This session introduces neuroaffirming supports that are responsive rather than reactive. Parents and family members will: Learn to recognise individual signs of escalating anxiety and stress responses. Develop proactive, regulation supportive strategies that reduce the likelihood of distress escalating. Gain an introduction to cognitively based supports that can be adapted to be developmentally appropriate, flexible, and respectful of autistic processing styles.