Understanding and Supporting Anxiety in Neurodivergent Children

Understanding and Supporting Anxiety in Neurodivergent Children: A Guide for Parents

As a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Divergent Tribe, LLC, I work with children and families navigating the complexities of neurodivergence and anxiety. One of the most important aspects of managing anxiety in neurodivergent children is helping them develop emotional awareness and interoceptive awareness—the ability to understand and interpret the signals their bodies are sending.

Anxiety often has a sensory and physical component, particularly for children who are neurodivergent. By fostering emotional and interoceptive awareness, parents can help their children develop the tools they need to calm their nervous system and regain a sense of balance.

Emotional Awareness and Interoception: The Foundation of Self-Regulation

Interoceptive awareness refers to a child’s ability to notice and interpret internal body signals, such as hunger, thirst, fatigue, or even the quickened heartbeat and tight chest that often accompany anxiety. For neurodivergent children, these signals can feel confusing or overwhelming. They might not yet have the words to explain what they’re feeling, or they may misinterpret their body’s cues altogether.

For example, a child might perceive an increased heart rate as excitement or anger instead of anxiety. Helping your child build interoceptive awareness involves teaching them to recognize and name these sensations, creating a bridge between what their body feels and how they can respond.

Sensory Processing and Proprioceptive Input: Tools for Calming the Nervous System

Many neurodivergent children experience heightened sensory sensitivities, which can amplify their anxiety. Proprioceptive input—sensations related to pressure, movement, and body awareness—can help regulate the nervous system and promote a sense of calm.

Proprioceptive activities, often referred to as “heavy work,” engage muscles and joints in ways that send calming signals to the brain. Activities like pushing, pulling, jumping, or even hugging provide proprioceptive input that helps children feel grounded and secure. These strategies can be especially effective for managing anxiety in neurodivergent children.

Strategies for Parents: Building Awareness and Calming Tools

1. Teach Body Awareness Through Sensory Play

Engage your child in activities that encourage them to tune in to their body signals. For example:

• Use a "body scan" exercise where they close their eyes and notice how different parts of their body feel.

• Encourage tactile play with materials like playdough, kinetic sand, or water, which can provide calming sensory feedback.

2. Build an Emotional Vocabulary

Create a feelings chart with visuals and words for different emotions. Pair these emotions with common body sensations (e.g., “When I feel nervous, my heart beats fast”). Over time, your child will begin to recognize patterns between their body’s signals and their emotions.

3. Incorporate Proprioceptive Activities Daily

Help your child explore calming proprioceptive input, such as:

• Jumping on a trampoline or bouncing on a yoga ball.

• Carrying or pushing a heavy object, like a weighted bag or cart.

• Engaging in deep-pressure hugs or wrapping up in a weighted blanket.

These activities help the brain regulate sensory input, reducing feelings of overwhelm and calming the nervous system.

4. Model and Practice Emotional Regulation

Children often learn emotional regulation by observing adults. Share your own strategies for managing stress, such as deep breathing or stretching. When your child is calm, practice simple techniques together, like:

• Belly breathing: Place a hand on your stomach and watch it rise and fall as you breathe deeply.

• Progressive muscle relaxation: Gently tense and release different muscle groups to release tension.

5. Create a Calming Space

Designate a sensory-friendly corner in your home with tools like noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, soft lighting, and a weighted blanket. Encourage your child to retreat to this space when they’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

Final Thoughts: Empowering Your Child to Thrive

Supporting your neurodivergent child through anxiety starts with helping them understand their body and emotions. Emotional and interoceptive awareness, combined with sensory tools like proprioceptive activities, provides a solid foundation for self-regulation and resilience.

Remember, every child’s needs are unique. At Divergent Tribe, LLC, we’re here to help you tailor these strategies to your child’s specific sensory and emotional profile. With love, patience, and the right tools, you can empower your child to face their anxiety with confidence and strength.

If you’d like to learn more about how occupational therapy can support your child, visit us at divergenttribe.com. Together, we can create a plan that helps your child embrace their potential and thrive.

With love and support,
Anna Elizabeth Biedermann
Founder of Divergent Tribe, LLC