We use cookies on this website. Cookies store information that allow us to improve our website and your browsing experience. By clicking agree and close or continuing to use this site (without changing your settings), you agree to our use of cookies To find out more about cookies (and to change your settings), please see our Privacy Policy.

Agree and close
Back
For Adults

Find the right support near you

Find support
For Adults Great Communities Residential Vacancies Day Opportunities Employment Registered Care Shared Lives Supported Living
For Children

Find the right support near you

Find support
For Children Academies Further Education MacIntyre School Residential Support Supported Living Transition
Our Approach

Find the right support near you

Find support
Our Approach Families Great Interactions Health and Safety Intensive Interaction Person Centred Approaches Positive Behaviour Support Safeguarding Voice of the people we support
Our Expertise

Find the right support near you

Find support
Our Expertise Autism Dementia Communication Health Learning Disability Transforming Care Resources
Get Involved

Find the right support near you

Find support
Get Involved Corporate Support MacIntyre Lottery Wills and Legacies FAQ
Careers
Careers Work for us Current Vacancies 10 best things about MacIntyre Employee Benefits How to apply How to write an effective CV Recruitment FAQs Safer Recruitment Students and Graduates Volunteer Working in Wales
News & Blogs
Events
Donate Search

Balancing stress and self-care: Autism

1 April 2021
News

After months of on-again, off-again lockdowns, full of new challenges and changes to our lives, it is safe to say many of us will have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions over the past 12 months. Managing those feelings when you have autism can be even more difficult.


Anxiety and Autism

Many people with autism also experience consistent anxiety, which can be distressing. Triggers for this anxiety can vary for each person, but this constant state of distress means a person with autism can become overwhelmed more easily than a person without autism.

Our teams have been working to support people to learn how to manage their stress and anxiety and channeling these feelings into positive actions. Learning to reach for the ‘Positive Toolbox’ during times of distress will help to create a routine for the person, helping them to know exactly what will happen next, ultimately reducing their anxiety.

Recently our team supported Matt and Billy to develop a 'Positive Toolbox' to help them to direct their feelings of stress into positive actions and feel in control of their emotions, especially during low moments.

By sharing activities that made them happy, Matt and Billy were able to work alongside our team to develop their own personal 'tool box' of ideas and actions to reach for when they feel stressed, anxious or upset.


How to develop a 'Positive Tool Box'

  • Take a moment to think about what makes you or someone you are supporting happy. This might be chatting to a loved one, taking a walk outside, listening to music or holding an item that means a lot to you/them

  • Does this activity help you, or someone you are supporting, feel calm?

  • Think about a time where you or the person you are supporting may have felt stressed or upset, what made you/them feel better?

  • Note down these activities and keep them somewhere where you or the person can access these activities easily. You could have the list printed out and displayed on your fridge or you could print them onto a small card for you, or the person to carry with them.


When can you use your 'Positive Tool Box'?

  • When you or the person you are supporting feels upset, stressed or anxious
  • When you or the person you are supporting feels calm
  • Use to help yourself or the person you are supporting step away from a negative situation and create space for reflection


Matt and Billy's Positive Tool Box

  • Cut the grass, or any outdoor activity
  • Take a walk outside to get some fresh air
  • Read a book
  • Listen to music (quiet music to calm and loud music to motivate)
  • Have a nice shower or a bath
  • Do yoga or a form of exercise
  • Watch TV
  • Sit or lay in a quiet space
  • Play a sport or watch sport
  • Play with, or look after a pet
  • Eat a comforting snack (squash and toast/cheese/tea and biscuits)
  • Get in touch with a friend (phone, FaceTime or visit them when you can)

How we support people with autism

Autism

We understand that each child, young person or adult with autism that we support is unique.

Find Out More
3 Apr 2020
News

Joanna's story

For the final day of Autism Awareness Week 2020, we are sharing the story of Joanna who found new confidence.

Find Out More
1 Apr 2020
News

Me and My Autism: Vicky

As part of World Autism Awareness Week, we are introducing you to Vicky

Find Out More
31 Mar 2020
News

Can special interests be a tool for learning?

Did you know that a person's special interests can have a huge impact on how they engage with learning?

Find Out More
Important Links
Working Safely in Offices Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy Statement
Talk to us
Find Support Near You MacInStars Employee of the Month Shops Contact Us About us
Newsletter
Our Newsletter
Connect with us
Registered Charity No. 250840

602 South Seventh Street
Milton Keynes
Buckinghamshire
MK9 2JA
© 2021 MacIntyre. All rights reserved Data Protection and Privacy Policy
Site by Grandad.digital