The aim is to reduce any underlying anxiety that your child may be experiencing within their environment, not to prevent them from stimming... For example, if your child stims by hitting their head on a wall when experiencing anxiety around transitions, then identify ways you can support them in managing change, such as using pre-warning and visual supports

Spotting Differences Regularly having a meltdown before or after school Regularly being upset when they go to school Showing anxiety when you leave them Getting in trouble at school for their behaviour Having difficulty controlling their emotions Being overwhelmed by loud noises Emotional Regulation Making friends Hiding away and being unusually quiet Not eating at lunchtime Reluctance to go to school Avoiding eye contact Not smiling when

  \nObsessive Thoughts\nThese are intrusive thoughts which are:\n\nNegative\nRepetitive\nUnwelcome\nLikely to make children and young people feel scared, anxious and out of control\n\nCompulsive Actions\nThese actions start as a way of trying to take control of the situation and reduce the anxiety that children and young people may be feeling. Compulsive habits or actions can include:\n\nPhysical actions, like washing hands\nChecking things, for e

  Managing Anxiety If you are concerned about your child’s anxiety regarding their move to high school, allow them to ask questions about their concerns and explain how the change will benefit them. You could try: Setting aside some time to try and teach some relaxation techniques like box breathing, or mindfulness activities  If they find communicating their feelings difficult, you could try a book or box where they can write or draw any concer

  Adjusting Diets Creating a Routine Many neurodivergent children find change difficult, so creating a routine which you follow at mealtimes can help reduce anxiety ...  Creating a Routine Unpredictable Foods The unpredictable nature of food can cause anxiety which affects the volume and variety of foods they eat... Avoid pressuring your child to eat, it can increase their anxiety if they feel forced and have the opposite effect that you intended... 

Signs of Self-Harm Causes of Self-Harm  Common causes for self-harm for both neurotypical and neurodivergent young people include: Underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety and low mood Struggling with stress and/or worries Experiencing/having e...  Mental Health Safety Planning Shelf Help Books Books about mental health for 13 to 18 year olds, with advice and information about issues like anxiety, stress and OCD, bullying and exams

{"markup":"","blocks":{"contentData":[],"settingsData":[]}} Dive Deeper {"markup":"Neurodivergence & Mental Health\nThe link between neurodevelopmental conditions and mental health conditions can be put down to lots of different factors, such as:\n\nDifferences in how your child interacts with the world and experiences situations leading to stress an... Start with positive emotions, before moving on to more difficult sensations like anxiety or anger

  Getting Help For School Refusal Strategies to Try at Home Some simple strategies to use at home can help to ease anxiety and take the pressure off

  Giving them information about how to use a pad/tampon or period pants, including how to dispose of them afterwards can be really useful in reducing anxiety and helping them feel prepared... Knowing what is going to happen next can reduce anxiety and put them in control

Some days your child may need support to help them with emotional challenges like anxiety or anger, on others they may need more function... Compulsive Behaviour Compulsions or obsessive behaviours start as a way of trying to reduce or prevent anxiety and worries...   Find out more about meltdowns and shutdowns Meltdowns & Shutdowns Easing Worries Life for neurodivergent children and young people can present challenges that cause stress and anxiety