Stress is a major problem in modern society. Not handled correctly, it permeates every aspect of our adult lives, and left untreated, can cause some significant health concerns. About one in four Canadians admit to being stressed, with forty percent of us reporting that we are more stressed now than we were last year. Children experience stress as well, but as adults, we are the ones responsible for taking a direct hand in its mitigation. When it comes to children with autism, it’s even more challenging. However, there are various tools and techniques that can be of assistance. Monarch House is here to help you create a supportive environment and utilize specific strategies. Working with parents like you, educators, and other caregivers, we can significantly improve the well-being of children on the spectrum. 

Here are ten effective approaches to manage stress for children with autism Burlington.

1. Structured Routines

Imagine yourself as a small child, caught up in a whirlwind of new experiences, sensations, and expectations. It can be exhausting, and nerve-wracking to have no control throughout the journey. The idea is to give your child some structure that they can hold on to as they navigate the storm. Consistency is key for children with autism. Establishing a structured daily routine can provide a sense of security and predictability, reducing anxiety related to unexpected changes.

2. Visual Supports

The path to enlightenment sometimes needs a map. Pictographs, schedules, charts, and other visual supports can help children with autism understand expectations and routines. By providing clear visual cues, you and other caregivers can reduce stress and anxiety in your child related to uncertainty and transitions.

3. Sensory Tools

Bright lights and rough textures can lead to a spiral of unwanted, unpleasant emotions. Many children with autism experience sensory sensitivities that can lead to stress. At Monarch House, we keep on-hand many sensory tools like fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, and weighted blankets (and we urge you to do the same). They can help children self-regulate and find comfort in overwhelming situations.

4. Mindfulness And Breathing Techniques

“Be Zen” is the simplest advice you can give to someone experiencing stress or anxiety. The thing is, it actually works. At Monarch House, we can help by teaching you and your child mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or guided imagery. These have been shown to empower children to manage their anxiety. Simple breathing techniques, like the “five-five-five” method (inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 5 seconds, exhale for 5 seconds), can be effective in calming nerves.

5. Social Skills Training

Knowing how to navigate a group of people, especially people you don’t know, can be very stressful. Many children with autism struggle with social interactions. This can lead to anxiety. At Monarch House we can help by offering social skills development, through role-playing or group activities with our professional therapists. Altogether, this can help build confidence in social situations and decrease stress.

6. Physical Activity

Get out and get active and make sure your kid is too. There’s nothing quite like regular physical activity to alleviate stress and anxiety. So break out the swimming caps, the bikes, and the yoga mats. Exercise provides an outlet for pent-up energy and improves overall mood.

7. Safe Spaces

You want your child to feel safe amidst the storm of new stimuli. Creating a designated “safe space” at home can provide children with a retreat when they feel overwhelmed. At Monarch House, we ensure that our safe spaces are calming, filled with comforting items like pillows, soft lighting, and their favorite toys.

8. Emotion Regulation Strategies

Knowing yourself and your emotions is a surefire sign of maturity. Teaching children to recognize and label their emotions can help them articulate their feelings instead of acting out. Using tools like emotion charts or apps can aid in identifying and managing emotions effectively.

9. Positive Reinforcement

Stay on the sunny side of life. Shy away from negative feedback for emotions handled poorly and instead gravitate to positive reinforcement to reward calm behaviour and coping strategies. This can encourage children to practice these skills. Small rewards, praise, or tokens can motivate them to engage in healthy coping mechanisms.

10. Professional Support

You’re going to do everything you can on your own, but sometimes that’s simply just not enough. That’s why Monarch House is here. We offer professional guidance from therapists and counselors experienced in autism which can be a huge boon to a child that is suffering from anxiety. We can provide tailored strategies and interventions that address specific anxiety-related challenges faced by your child.

Monarch House makes use of a professional, interdisciplinary team of occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, speech therapists, and psychotherapists. Working together we can help to manage anxiety and stress in children with autism with a comprehensive, multifaceted approach. We combine understanding, patience, and the effective strategies outlined above to nip stressful situations in the bud before they become problematic. By implementing these tools and techniques, you and other caregivers can create a supportive environment that fosters resilience and emotional well-being in your child and other children withautism Burlington. The goal is to empower them to navigate their world with greater confidence and less anxiety. This ultimately leads to a happier, healthier life for everyone involved.