This page looks at neurodivergent anxiety and how to understand and support your child...  Neurodivergence & Anxiety Spotting Anxiety How your child's anxiety presents can be different depending on the skills they have and how they are able to communicate... For most people when they are struggling with worries and anxiety, relaxing becomes more difficult...  Having a Go{"markup":"There are lots of age-appropriate books, animations and videos explaini

SM is often accompan... It is important to understand that these behaviours are a response to the anxiety they are experiencing... If a child or young person with SM experiences negative responses to anxiety, their difficulties can persist into adulthood... It can also help them to know that this is not their choice or fault, but a response to anxiety ... It's ok to speak for your child to help reduce their anxiety and never prompt your child to speak louder

Creating a safe space at home which is sensory friendly and reduces anxiety can make a big difference to neurodivergent children...   Dive Deeper Sight Creating a visually calming space can help those young people with sensory issues, while a bright and organised space can help many... Here are some simple ways to reduce anxiety through sound at home: Give your child some warning before noise is due to happen, for example, hoovering or a loud blender

Also, a young person with a neurodevelopmental difference may experience an anxiety disorder which occurs separately...  Other Co-Occurring Conditions Someone with a neurodivergent condition is more likely to experience anxiety ... Find out more about anxiety here Anxiety This is where the brain struggles to make sense of sounds it receives... Some neurodivergent conditions have characteristics such as hyperactivity or anxiety which can also cause probl

Children and young people who have a PDA profile simply cannot comply with a particular demand based on different factors, for example, their level of anxiety, the environment, and their health at that time...  The Debate Around PDA Common Demands Types of Demand There are three main types of demand, these are: Direct demands - an instruction, such as 'put your coat on' Internal demands - a feeling, like recognising hunger or needing the bathroo

From smaller things like a shake-up to a child's daily routine to large changes like moving school or moving house, change c... Examples of unexpected changes that could cause anxiety include: Taking a new route to school or home due to roadworks Changes in routine like illness, power cuts or unexpected doctor appointments When things don't always go to plan, it's useful to look for signs of anxiety in your child to see if they need extra support

Keep the environment calm and quiet for a while and free of things which might trigger anxiety ... Some neurodivergent children might show signs of anxiety such as pacing, seeking reassurance through repetitive questioning, or physical signs such as rocking or becoming very still... Learn more about transitions and change Anxiety Feelings of anxiety can quickly become overwhelming, so have a plan of what to do if your child becomes anxious