Reducing stress in teenagers with autism by training in range of relaxation and mindfulness activities

Many young people with autism experience a high level of stress in everyday living. This has an impact on their quality of life that persists into adulthood with a third of adults with autism experiencing mental health... [ view full abstract ]

Many young people with autism experience a high level of stress in everyday living. This has an impact on their quality of life that persists into adulthood with a third of adults with autism experiencing mental health difficulties (Rosenblatt, 2008).
This presentation describes a toolkit of simple strategies based on the principles of mindfulness that have been developed at Freemantles School ( A Surrey School for Autism) by a teacher and a Community Nurse( Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust) through small group work with students . The aim was to enable students to learn strategies to manage their anxiety in every day situations .
Surveys were completed by parents to identify triggers and indicators of anxiety for each student. Students then participated in a course of eight sessions over a period of four months.
Sessions focussed on identifying and recognising symptoms of anxiety and linking these with the resulting physical characteristics and following simple techniques to help manage these.
The presentation will describe these techniques which included:
● Simple relaxation techniques of deep breathing and counting.
● Very simple mindfulness exercises focussing on the breath .
● In depth mindfulness exercises that helped students focus their thoughts
A second parental survey identified changes in student’s anxiety related behaviour following involvement in these sessions. Responses indicated that students were more aware of the physical effects of anxiety and were able to use this understanding and the strategies to manage stressful situations more effectively themselves.
The presentation will discuss the results of the project and provide further detail on the strategies that were successful in helping our students manage their anxiety.

This project was offered to all of students in the Post 16 department of Freemantles school who were able to be able to access the sessions . Of the families interested 8 students were selected randomly and informed consent... [ view full abstract ]

This project was offered to all of students in the Post 16 department of Freemantles school who were able to be able to access the sessions . Of the families interested 8 students were selected randomly and informed consent sought as it was necessary for all parties to be included in NHS data . The sessions were recorded by a Psychology student who noted all interaction between tutors and students. In all sessions the emotional safety of the students was paramount and students were aware that confidentiality was important .
All parents were offered an information session on what the project would involve and a basic overview of mindfulness .
Parents met with the Community nurse who completed the NHS assessment .
At any point throughout the project both the teacher and Community Nurse could be contacted by parents for any questions or concerns .