An Awkward Autistic's Guide To Social Skills

Tips on how to deal with anxiety

-Relaxing music.

-Meditation.

Visualisation (imagining yourself on a calming beach even though your in a busy place for example).

-Breathing techniques (I use 4 in 8 out which I was taught in a mindfulness course).

-Leaving the situation (if possible).

-Using a sensory room or sensory equipment if they're accessible to you (I'm lucky because I attend a special school).

-Stress balls (these help me loads).

-Cards (traffic light cards are supposed to be very helpful, 'green for-I'm ok', 'amber for-I'm feeling anxious', and 'red for-I need to leave.' These can be helpful for people who turn non-verbal when they get anxious or begin to stutter.

-Anything weighted such as a weighted blanket.

-Cup of tea.

-Bottle of water (I carry one with me everyday and find myself sipping from it more often when I feel anxious).

-Youtube (seeing that you're not alone can often be really helpful).

-Blogging.

-Reading and writing (this has personally been the most helpful to me).

-Yoga.

-Exercise (cycling, walking, jogging etc).

-Secret message in a bottle which says something like, 'be calm.'

-Rescue Remedy.

-Lying on pillows, your bed or a bean-bag, closing your eyes and listening to calming music.

-Talking to someone about how you're feeling.

-Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

-Mindfulness.

-Counselling.

-Going to the doctor's for prescribed medication.

-Closing your eyes.

-Using your alter ego.