Avoiding anxiety in autistic children : a guide for autistic wellbeing / Luke Beardon

Includes index.

Foreword -- Acknowledgements -- 1. Introduction -- 2. Autism and behaviour -- 3. Understanding anxiety -- 4. Risks of anxiety specific to communication -- 5. Common autistic anxiety -- 6. School -- 7. Sensory issues and anxiety -- 8. Social challenges, bullying and wellbeing -- 9. Stories about getting rid of anxiety -- 10. Happy parents -- 11. Things to think about saying (or not saying) when someone is anxious -- 12. Finishing on a high -- Index

One of the biggest challenges for the parent of any autistic child is how best to support and guide them through the situations in life which might cause them greater stress, anxiety and worry than if they were neurotypical. Dr Luke Beardon has put together an optimistic, upbeat and readable guide that will be essential reading for any parent to an autistic child, whether they are of preschool age or teenagers. Emphasising that autism is not behaviour, but at the same time acknowledging that there are risks of increased anxiety specific to autism, this practical book gives insight into the nature of the anxiety experienced by autistic people, as well as covering every likely situation in which your child might feel anxious or worried. It will help you to prepare your child for school, to monitor their anxiety around school, and also to be informed about the educational choices available to your child. It will give you support to help make breaktimes less stressful for them and how to help them navigate things like eating at school and out of the house.