What nonmedicinal methods can be used for anxiety. My son has Asperger's Syndrome and suffers from anxiety.

Question

He is 14 years old

Answer 1

Ideas:
Reduce the stressors
Exercise - wear down physical energy
make a quiet space with pillows and blankets
teach basic meditation skills
yoga or tai chi
play soothing music or nature sounds

Answer 2

Does his anxiety have to do with the anticipation of going places , and doing things that are unfamiliar to him? I worked in a school for kids with multiple handicaps. With the young teens this was one of the things we dealt with on our weekly outings into the community. I don't recall exactly what we called our remedy, (something about) a "story". This is an example.

Today our class is going bowling. Bowling is a fun game in a special building called a bowling alley. At 9 o'clock we will go outside and get on the school bus. When we get to the bowling alley, we will wait on the bus, while the teacher goes in first. It is OK to wait. When the teacher comes back we will all get off the bus, and line-up by the door of the building. When we go inside the lights won't be quite as bright as it was outside. Each person will walk-up to the counter and tell the man what size shoes you wear. They will hand you a pair of shoes to put on. You can borrow these shoes while you are here, but will give them back when we leave. Next we will get into groups at the chairs by the long smooth floor. While we sit there we can see the bowling pins at the other end. When everyone is there we will each choose a ball to roll. We will take turns. When it is your turn you will stand up, holding your ball, with your fingers in the holes. Swing your arm and let go of the ball so that it rolls down the lane. At the other end of the lane we want the ball to knock-down the pins. Everyone will wait here by the chairs to watch your ball. We can't walk on the lanes. There will be a machine by the chairs that will give your ball back to you. When your ball comes back you will have one more turn to roll your ball and try to knock the pins down. Sometimes it will be funny and we will laugh and have fun with our friends.............

This story would be read the day before the trip, and maybe twice before leaving on that day, as anxiety rises on the schoolbus, read once more. In the story you might include specifics the person is worried about (they have bathrooms there, we will eat lunch back at the school, we will be there for an hour, you will wear your own shoes when you go back to the school....etc.) The story would end with getting back on the bus and going back to the school.

It was interesting, I would have only 2 students or so that the story was meant for, but other kids would lean-in to hear, and would ask questions concerning their concerns too. We found the story method do be very calming and helped our students to be able to stay in control.

Answer 3

You could enroll him into a martshal arts class, But do your reseach first. Find out all you can about the school and the teacher.
You could have him meditate to get to know himself better and understand the things around himself. Again research on your behalf.
In your web browser you could type " anxiety+herbs or anxiety+supplements "

Answer 4

I am a firm believer that issues such as anxiety and depression etc. are a part of life and if dealt with correctly can be "grown out of" or atleast understood with time. However, if it is really bad I know many people that actually take medication and it works wonders. There are many meds out there for anxiety since it is so common. I recommend meds if his anxiety is severe. Otherwise it is just another one of those things that he will just have to "cope" with.

Answer 5

Reducing noise input works to some degree with autism array disorder kids. (Earphones.) I know he's a teenager, but you might try bundling him. (My cousin has the same condition and it is calming for him to wrap himself up in a blanket when he gets stressed...) Hope this helps.

Answer 6

I agree with the first guy. People try to label everything these days. "Oh, I am depressed", well so am I, get over it. People are pansies these days. When I was growing up we dealt with stuff like that. You people must learn to deal with these things instead of making excuses or doping yourself up on some unneeded prescription.

Answer 7

try some tai chi, qi gong, or yoga classes. (He might enjoy the tai chi classes!) Avena sativa (oats) or Humulus lupulus (hops) extract might be useful herbal supplement

Answer 8

-visualizing a favorite place
-breathing exercises
-reading humor
-going in a quiet, dark room