Anxiety is something that we all face at some point in our lives.  Work challenges, financial commitments and social expectations can all contribute to varying degrees of anxiety. For autistic students, anxiety in the classroom is very common. This blog explores the reasons why anxiety is so prevalent in a classroom, and simple tips and resources to help you manage it.

What factors contribute to anxiety in the classroom?

Anxiety in the classroom can be due to a variety of factors including;

  1. Environmental factors - is the classroom too hot/cold, are the lights too bright, is it cluttered or noisy?
  2. Unpredictability - varying degrees of change, either through situations or people can lead to heightened anxiety
  3. Volume of people - the sheer volume of people in and around the school can be overwhelming
  4. Sensory stimuli - loud unpredictable noises, varying smells, bright lights can be challenging to process, resulting in sensory overload
  5. Control - being in an environment with many uncontrollable factors can increase anxiety levels
  6. Academic pressures - for older students, the pressure associated with tests, targets and the fear of failure are major contributors to anxiety
  7. Social factors - making new friendships, fear of being picked on or not fitting in are all triggers for anxiety
  8. Relationships with staff - feeling unsupported or not listened to by peers and staff

How can you help manage anxiety in your classroom?

There are lots of things that you can do as a teacher, to help alleviate anxiety in your classroom.

Create a calm environment

A classroom environment has lots of overwhelming sensory stimuli, which can lead to increased anxiety. Making some small changes to the layout and resources can play a major part in reducing anxiety.

  • Reduce clutter - reduce visual clutter around the classroom wherever possible and keep work spaces clear
  • Consider lighting - instead of bright, clinical lights, opt for soft lighting or introduce natural light wherever possible
  • Music - playing soothing music when students first enter the classroom helps create a calming environment
  • Sensory corner - a dedicated sensory corner or room provides a safe space for students to use when feeling overwhelmed. Knowing this space is readily available when needed will provide comfort and help reduce anxiety.

Introducing these small changes will provide a welcoming, supportive environment conducive for learning. Students will be safe in the knowledge they're walking into a calm, sensory friendly environment, ready to learn.

 

 

Incorporate a visual routine

Autistic individuals often feel comforted by a predictable and consistent routine. Knowing what is coming next, or how the day is structured feels 'safe', reducing anxiety or fear of 'what comes next'.

  1. Visual timetables - include 'what's next' timetables or symbols to show a visual representation of the day, or activity.
  2. Timers - use visual timers to show the passage of time, and how long a particular activity has left
  3. Communication fans - help students express emotions and feelings with the use of a visual communication fan or app

 

 

Encourage movement breaks throughout the day

You know the feeling when you've been sat at your desk for a while and haven't moved?  You body starts feeling heavy and tired, and you can feel your productivity decreasing. When you take 5 minutes and make a cup of tea it's just enough to help reset your mind and body, ready to carry on. The same principle works in a classroom. Plan time throughout your day where students can move and express themselves freely. It's great for reducing sensory overload, calming the nervous system, releasing excess energy and improving overall wellbeing. Try some of these activities during your movement breaks;

  1. Use a body sock to provide proprioceptive feedback. The resistance felt from moving inside a body sock can help with self regulation, sensory feedback and great for eliminating anxiety and stress
  2. Jump on a scooter board and complete a mini obstacle course in the classroom. Great for vestibular planning, balance and strength exercising too.
  3. Get students doing star jumps on the spot or running outside for some fresh air.
  4. Incorporate a peanut ball and encourage students to bounce up and down, or roll over it. Try a peanut ball with tactile nodules for extra sensory feedback.

 

 

Ensure open access to a sensory corner or space with support resources

The soothing power of a sensory space is something not to be overlooked. Giving students open access to a dedicated sensory space with support resources gives them a safe, controlled area to calm, refocus and self regulate, without fear of judgement. If your school doesn't have a dedicated sensory room that's ok. Adding some of these sensory room staples into a small area of your classroom will have just the same effect, and what's more, won't cost the earth!

  • LED Bubble Tubes - great for visual stimulation, the gentle ebb and flow of bubbles together with the soothing lights has a calming effect upon the body
  • Sensory Lights -
  • Weighted therapy - introduce a weighted blanket or lap pad. The reassuring deep pressure helps bodies to calm, and if used to wrap around the shoulders, acts like a calming hug.
  • Sensory chews - safe, hygienic chews offering an alternative to chewing fingers, clothing or inedible objects. Consider comfort scarfs or hand and wrist covers for students who like to chew or mouth cuffs or sleeves.

 

 

Ensure open communication at all times

One of the most important tools you have is communication. Encouraging open communication between staff and pupils helps you understand individual students needs. In doing this, you can create a better management plan for their own needs, and help them identify what or when a trigger might occur, and ways to manage this themselves.

Upon listening to your students you might also discover external factors which are contributing to their anxiety. This could be worries about a planned holiday or trip, concerns about a change in home routine, or something as simple as wearing a new coat. Understanding their individual needs allows you to arm yourself with a plethora of resources to support each student. Helping keep anxiety levels to a minimum, wherever feasible.

 

By Andrew Caws
Managing Director of Sensory Direct & Parent of an Autistic Adult
April 2025