Anxiety Management

Background Information

Anxiety is often closely associated with autism. Simonoff et al (2008) found that 41.9% of 10-14 year olds with autism had anxiety while Gjevik et al (2011) found that 41% of 6-17 year olds with autism had anxiety. The prevalence of anxiety in children without autism is 2.5-5%, thus indicating that autism increases the likelihood of developing anxiety.

It is essential that anxiety is addressed as it has a significant impact on future outcomes for the child or young person. It will affect confidence and is likely to lead to increased social isolation, academic underachievement, lack of skill development across all areas, and places the student at a greater risk of developing long-term mental health problems. It also affects the family supporting the child and can extend into all aspects of life including participation in social events, sleeping, eating and general health.

• Indicators of Anxiety
• Potential sources of Anxiety
• Anxiety Management Strategies
• Autism and Anxiety Chapter with COVID-19 Section  Resource File for schools to support the needs of children with special educational needs.