Anxiety to new situations is a normal part of a child’s development. However, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have a particularly difficult time processing changes in their routine and environment. An autistic child may show their anxiety through stimming, meltdowns, withdrawal from social situations, self-injury or inattentiveness.
It is important to be prepared for situations that may be a trigger for your child. Children with ASD are often hypersensitive and unable to filter background sensory information in the form of specific noises, bright lights, and textures. Many parents of ASD children have endorsed calming tools such as weighted blankets; claiming them to be effective tools for participation in seated activities and ongoing tasks, as well as sleep.