Autism and anxiety: a neurodiversity-affirming approach

Autistic young people are significantly more likely to experience high levels of anxiety than their neurotypical peers. This can impact on all areas of their lives and the lives of their families. This session will use real life experiences and research to explore some of the reasons for this increase in anxiety; why traditional approaches to managing anxiety might not work; and how, by listening to autistic young people and seeing things from their perspective, you can start to understand what might help instead.  A shift in perspective can have a huge impact on practice and go a long way to helping professionals more effectively support anxious autistic young people and their families.

Amy Phipps, autism trainer and social worker