Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children: A Guide for Autistic Wellbeing (Overcoming Common Problems)

Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children: A Guide for Autistic Wellbeing (Overcoming Common Problems) by Dr Luke Beardon is a practical guide for parents supporting an autistic child. It is presented as an optimistic, readable book in the Overcoming Common Problems series.

Key details

• Written by Dr Luke Beardon
• Guide for parents of autistic children, from preschool age through the teenage years
• Focuses on anxiety and worry that may be increased for autistic children
• Covers school life, including preparation, monitoring anxiety and educational choices
• Addresses social and emotional challenges including bullying, friendships, relationships, puberty and sex education
• Discusses sensory responses and behaviours including masking and echopraxia

Synopsis

This book explores the challenge of supporting an autistic child through situations that may bring heightened stress, anxiety and worry. It emphasises that autism is not behaviour, while also recognising that anxiety risks can be specific to autism, and offers insight into the nature of anxiety experienced by autistic people.

It covers a wide range of everyday scenarios, with guidance on preparing for school, understanding anxiety around school, and navigating educational options. The book also considers breaktimes, eating at school and outside the home, and follows the educational journey through exams and leaving school, alongside social and emotional topics such as bullying, friendships, relationships, puberty and sex education.