Anxiety Unpacked: What Helps, What Doesn’t

When neurodivergent young people are anxious, overwhelmed, or spiralling, what actually helps? And just as importantly, what makes things worse? This practical workshop gave participants a toolkit of strategies that work, alongside honest conversations about the things we often try that don’t. We explored the SAFE framework for responding in the moment, why most well-meaning responses backfire, and how to teach self-regulation skills when young people are actually ready to learn them. Participants left with concrete approaches they could use straight away, and clarity about what to stop doing.

Learning outcomes:

• Identify what triggers anxiety in neurodivergent young people and what makes it worse
• Use practical strategies to support anxious or overwhelmed moments
• Recognise common responses that don’t help, and what to do instead
• Teach young people self-regulation techniques they can use independently
• Adapt strategies to work in your specific context and implement them immediately