Supporting children and adolescents with autism

• Recognise coping strategies: Some behaviours may seem unusual, but if they are not harmful, they may be a way for your child to manage difficulties.
• Address anxiety: Children may feel anxious if they do not understand what is happening or if they are overwhelmed. Using anxiety management strategies throughout the day can help prevent it from building up.
• Behaviour as communication: Difficult behaviour often communicates unmet needs. Keep a record of when and why certain behaviours occur to identify patterns and triggers. Schools may also be able to help with this.
• Help with emotional awareness: Support your child in recognising and labelling emotions by discussing how their body feels in different situations.
• Use clear and consistent language: Break instructions into steps, use prompts, and combine words with pictures to improve understanding.
• Ensure consistency: Work with other adults involved in your child’s care to maintain consistency in expectations and rules.
• Encourage positive behaviour: Praise and rewards are often more effective than consequences, especially for children with social communication difficulties. Immediate positive reinforcement works best.
• Reduce anxiety with structure: Plan the day or week with your child using timetables, diaries, or a “Now and Next” approach to help them feel more in control.
• Consider sensory sensitivities: Identify preferred and disliked sensory experiences (such as sounds, textures, and tastes) and adapt their environment to reduce stress.

Plan your journey

If you use public transport, the Traveline journey planner provides information about what services and times are available.

Page last reviewed: March 12, 2025
Next review due: March 12, 2026