In this episode, expert guest, Kelly Evans, talks about the links between autism and anxiety, and the effect the environment around your child can have on their emotions.
Kelly provides examples of anxiety traits and shares how important it is to understand what’s driving the behaviour by listening to your child or young person. Kelly discusses how ‘masking’ and not being true to their autistic self can heighten anxiety.
Kelly is the family advisor for the West Berkshire Autism Team. She supports families across the area by offering 1 to 1 support through phone and video calls. She also facilitates training, running workshops in schools, signposting and liaising with schools, social services, and other agencies. Kelly is also a trainer for the PDA Society, running training for both families and schools to support children showing Pathological Demand Avoidance.
Kelly recommends the book Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Children by Dr Luke Beardon.
Kelly also shares three tips during the episode:
1. Look for 'The Bear'. Kelly explains more about this idea during the episode. It's a great strategy to observe the behaviour to understand what’s driving it.
2. Autism + environment = outcome. Be aware of the environment and how it might make your child feel.
3. Build and develop trusting relationships. Don't assume you know how they feel and encourage them to talk to you about their feelings.
The My Family Coach podcasts covers every aspect of children’s behaviour, all in handy 15 minute (ish) bite-sized chunks. Each episode features a new guest chatting about a different aspect of behaviour and leaves you with three handy tips to use at home.
