Children with special needs such as autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, or emotional and behavioural disorders are more likely to experience high levels of stress and anxiety. This can negatively impact their development, learning, relationships, and overall quality of life. As a parent or caregiver, it is important to understand the causes of stress and anxiety in these children, and develop strategies to help them cope effectively.
Signs of Stress and Anxiety
Some common signs that a child with special needs may be experiencing unhealthy levels of stress and anxiety include:
- Increased tantrums, meltdowns, or oppositional behaviours
- Difficulty sleeping, nightmares
- Headaches or stomach aches
- Changes in eating habits
- Avoidance of school, social situations, or new activities
- Trouble concentrating or sitting still
- Irritability, anger, agitation
- Withdrawal or isolation
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to talk to your child’s doctor and explore ways to reduce their stress and anxiety.
Causes and Triggers
There are many potential causes and triggers for stress and anxiety in children with special needs. These may include:
- Sensory sensitivities – loud noises, bright lights, certain textures or smells can be overwhelming
- Transitions between activities or environments
- Learning challenges – schoolwork that is too difficult can be frustrating
- Social difficulties – bullying, isolation, or misunderstandings with peers
- Major life changes – moving homes, new caregivers, family changes
- Medical procedures – needles, hospitals, dentists, etc.
If you are fostering a child with special needs, the foster care system itself can also be an ongoing source of stress and uncertainty for them. Understanding your child’s unique sensitivities and triggers with help from fosterplus.co.uk will help you better support them.
Strategies for Parents and Caregivers
There are many effective strategies parents and caregivers can use to help children with special needs manage stress and anxiety:
- Establish routines and structure: Consistent schedules and predictability can be very soothing. Use calendars, timers, reminders, and warnings before transitions.
- Provide sensory supports: Figure out what environments and sensory inputs calm your child, such as noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets, quiet spaces, fidget toys, etc.
- Teach relaxation techniques: Try simple breathing exercises, guided imagery, mindfulness, or progressive muscle relaxation. Practice these when your child is calm to get them used to it.
- Increase exercise and movement: Physical activity is a great stress reliever – try sensory walks, jumping on a trampoline, dancing or yoga.
- Encourage open communication: Have regular conversations about their feelings and provide reassurance. Don’t minimise their concerns.
- Work with their school: Partner with teachers to modify the learning environment and workloads to reduce school-related anxiety.
- Involve them in solutions: Ask your child what helps them feel better and involve them in creating coping strategies.
Seeking Professional Help
If your child’s anxiety is severe and persistent, getting support from mental health professionals can be very beneficial. Many options to explore include:
- Counselling or therapy to learn coping skills
- Medical assessment for any underlying disorders or conditions
- School accommodations or specialised classrooms
- Testing for learning disabilities impacting schoolwork
- Social skills groups to help improve peer interactions
- Evaluation by an occupational therapist for sensory issues
With professional support, open communication, and consistency, you can help your special needs child manage stress and find greater comfort and confidence. Stay patient and compassionate and keep trying new strategies until you find what works best for your child.
