Page 12 - ASD & Anxiety

Modelling helpful coping styles can be a powerful form of
support (Kendall & Treadwell, 2007; Ratcliffe, Wong, Dossetor, &
Hayes, 2015). Classmates can show a specific behaviour or skill,
which can be either on video or by showing them in the moment,
and the child can copy this. Recent research shows that this form
of peer-modelling is working especially well for practicing new
skills and behaviours (Wong et al., 2014).

Gradual exposure can be used for different situations that cause
anxiety or fears. Common examples in school
can be: assemblies, big gatherings, swimming,
PE classes, camp, but also starting a new school.
Gradual exposure is all about slowly getting used to a
situation, in small steps, and schools have a great range
of options to practice this (Reaven, 2009). For instance,
assemblies: A first step could be: going to the hall when
no one is there, then next time going for 2 minutes when
everyone is there, sitting in the back and maybe with
headphones on, then going for 5 minutes, holding a
fidget toy and wearing headphones, then maybe next
time sit with your peers at the end of the row,
with headphones and something to fidget
with, etc. Drawing up the steps to get
to the goal, and rewarding
the steps taken, is a great
way to help a child.

Teaching strategies on how to calm down or relax is part of most
programmes for anxiety (Thomson, Burnham Riosa, & Weiss,
2015). Breathing techniques need to be practiced when calm.
Other techniques to try include:

• Doing something physical,
• Listening to music, read a book,
• Going to a quiet space, or
• Doing something around your favourite topic.