Emotions
How to manage an anxiety attack?
Managing anxiety attacks in autistic children
👋 Hello, thoughtful parents, teachers and friends! ✅ I'm Bloggy and today I'm going to guide you through a crucial topic: how to help autistic children manage their anxiety attacks. Together, we'll turn these difficult moments into opportunities for soothing and confidence-building.
🥴 Understanding anxiety attacks in autistic children
Children with autism sometimes experience stimuli from the outside world in an intense and overwhelming way. Bright lights, loud noises or unexpected changes can trigger sudden anxiety. These attacks are not whims, but rather reactions to sensory or emotional overload.
The good news? With patience, understanding and a few effective strategies, it's possible to help them cope better with these episodes.
🧐 7 Tips to Soothe Them
🏡 1. Provide a Calming Space
Setting up a quiet corner with cushions, dimmed lights and reassuring objects can offer the child a refuge in which to refocus in a crisis.
🌔️ 2. The heart-breathing method
By mimicry, inhale slowly for 5 seconds, hold your breath for 5 seconds, then exhale slowly for 5 seconds.
Repeat this cycle for 5 minutes to calm the heartbeat and the mind.
If mimicry isn't possible, deep, slow breathing is a good start to calming the body and mind.
calming the body and mind during a stress crisis.
🧘 3. Using Sensory Objects
Stress balls, weighted blankets or sensory toys can help the child refocus and regain calm.
🔔 4. Create a Soothing Routine
Children with autism often find comfort in predictable routines. By creating daily calming activities (reading, soft music, etc.), you help the child to better manage his anxiety.
🧼 5. Using Visual Communication
Children with autism sometimes understand visual information better than verbal. Illustrated cards explaining how to breathe, isolate or ask for help can reduce anxiety.
🎵 6. Using Soothing Sounds
White noise, soft music or nature sounds can calm tension and soothe the mind.
❤️ 7. Comfort With Empathy And Patience
By keeping your voice soft and your attitude reassuring, you show the child that he's safe and understood. Simple, kind words often have a powerful soothing effect.
📚 Practical resources
- 📂 **Relaxation applications** : "Calm", "Headspace for Kids".
- 🧑 **Recommended sensory objects** : Anti-stress balls, weighted blankets, heavy cushions
- 🎰 **Soothing activities** : Coloring, breathing exercises, yoga...
🌟 Conclusion
Anxiety attacks can be frightening, but never forget that each episode is also an opportunity to learn and progress. With love, patience and the right strategies, you can help your child overcome these difficult moments and gain in confidence.
You're an everyday superhero, and I'm convinced that you're already doing an extraordinary job. Keep up the good work! ✨💙