SEND Advice

Anxiety

A space made for you – where autism is explained in a way that makes sense.
No jargon, just real info to help you better understand yourself or someone you know.

What is Anxiety?

Autism is a way of experiencing the world differently. It affects how people communicate, interact, and process things like sounds, lights, and feelings.

It’s not an illness or something that needs ‘fixing’ – it’s just a different way of thinking and being.

Everyone’s experience of autism is unique, which is why it’s called a spectrum.

What are the Signs of Anxiety?

Autism looks different for everyone, but here are some common signs:

Social

Finding social situations tricky or exhausting, or difficulty understanding social cues

Change

Struggling with change, or needing routines to always be the same or planned out

Intense

Intense focus on specific interests, topics or hobbies

Sensory

Sensory sensitivities (eg. certain noises, lights, textures feeling overwhelming)

Time

Needing extra processing time for conversations or instructions

Check out our Anxiety articles

Being a Young Carer

Being young is supposed to be about the fun stuff - hanging out with friends, discovering new hobbies, games, and

How to cope with Autistic Burnout

Autistic burnout can be tough. Tasks that used to be easy become really hard, and you might feel physically &

Film: Is Anxiety linked to SEND?

In this film, we explore if there's a link between anxiety and SEND for young people. One of our young

Film: Living with Anxiety

When you have SEND and anxiety, you can feel very stressed and alone. In this film, Charlie shares his tips

Film: Your Anxiety Questions, Answered

As a young person with SEND, you may have anxiety, and wonder why, how and what you can do about

Christmas Anxiety

Christmas anxiety can be an all too overwhelming feeling for those with SEND. Here are some tips to help you

Anxiety and You

Being autistic doesn’t mean you have to change who you are – it’s about understanding yourself better, and finding ways to make life work for you.

Whether that’s through routines, special interests, support networks, or just knowing why you experience the world differently, you deserve to live in a way that feels right for you.

Struggling with anxiety?

Wondering if you’re autistic? Getting a diagnosis can help explain things and get support if you need it. The process usually involves:

Talking to your GP or someone who can refer you for an assessment
Meeting with specialists who ask questions and listen to your experiences
Receiving a diagnosis, or not. But either way, it’s about understanding yourself better.

You don’t need a diagnosis to be autistic – some people find it helpful, others don’t. It’s totally up to you.

Learn more on the Kids website

The Kids website has a selection of articles, workshops and more to help you, parent and carers navigate autism

Articles about autism, ADHD, and SEND in education
Workshops and online support for parents and carers to attend

Some useful links...

These sites might be useful for you to explore and discover different aspects of autism

Activities

We have lots of activities that you can try anytime from the comfort of your own home. Check them out here.

NHS

Find out more about diagnosis options and support you can receive from health professionals.

National Autistic Society

A great place to really dig deep into autism and its spectrum, for tips for all ages

The Mix

A great website for young people under 25 that covers a range of topics including living with SEND.