Building a Coping Toolbox for Managing Emotions and Anxiety for an Autistic Child

Managing emotions, anxiety, and unexpected changes can be difficult for anyone, but we all know that these challenges can be particularly tricky for our autistic loved ones. Although there are many strategies to help manage some of these difficulties, there is one that we would like to highlight that can help reduce anxious moments and empower our autistic children.

A coping toolbox is simply a box filled with notes and items that can help individuals cope during anxious moments. It's like having a personal toolkit at your disposal. It's a collection of various tools, techniques, and resources that individuals use to cope with stress, manage difficult emotions, and navigate challenging situations. It is like a metaphorical kit that people can draw from when facing life's ups and downs.

The concept of a coping toolbox is often employed in therapy, counselling, or self-help contexts to help individuals build resilience and improve their ability to handle stress and emotions in a healthy and constructive way. The toolbox may contain a wide range of coping mechanisms, such as:
- Relaxation techniques and breathing exercises
- Ideas for physical activities
- Social supports
- Paper/pen for drawing or journaling
- Fidgets
- Positive self-talk
- Hobbies and creative outlets

The coping toolbox is highly individualized, and not all tools will work for everyone. Therefore, it's essential for individuals to explore and experiment with different coping strategies to identify what works best for them in various situations. Over time, with practice and experience, individuals can refine their coping toolbox to create a personalized set of skills that helps them navigate life's difficulties more effectively.

So grab a box and fill it with a variety of helpful items. For example, you could include a list of positive affirmations to boost their mood, some fidget toys to provide sensory relief, or even pictures of family members for comfort. Get creative and tailor the content to suit your loved one's needs.

Once you've created the coping toolbox, find a place that is easily accessible for your child to grab in an anxious situation. Having it within reach ensures that they can turn to their coping tools whenever they need them, providing a sense of security and empowerment.

Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine is here to help you create your coping toolbox. We outline what a coping toolbox is, how to create one, and some important things to include. We created coping toolbox activity cards and a helpful "How am I feeling" printout that you can put in the toolbox. It's like having a ready-made resource to support your loved ones in managing their emotions and anxiety.

Let's equip our loved ones with the tools they need to navigate anxious moments and find calm amidst the storm.

Access the Coping Toolbox Printable in our article directory by clicking here.