What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a mental health response to fear or stress.
It is part of the body’s survival system.
Everyone experiences anxiety.
But for some people it is:
• More frequent
• More intense
• Harder to manage
Add symbols: Brain • Worried face • Stress icon
The Nervous System – How It Works
The nervous system controls the body.
It sends signals between:
• The brain
• The spinal cord
• The body
It controls:
• Heart rate
• Breathing
• Muscles
• Emotions
There are two main parts:
Sympathetic System
Activates danger response.
Parasympathetic System
Calms the body down.
Add symbols: Brain • Spine • Heart • Calm icon
Fight – Flight – Freeze Response
When danger is detected, the brain sends alarm signals.
This prepares the body to survive.
Fight
Body prepares to defend.
Flight
Body prepares to escape.
Freeze
Body shuts down to stay safe.
This response happens automatically.
Add symbols: Fist • Running person • Frozen figure
Physical Effects of Anxiety
The nervous system releases stress hormones (like adrenaline).
This causes:
• Fast heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• Muscle tension
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Nausea
These reactions are normal survival responses.
Add symbols: Heartbeat • Lungs • Sweat • Muscles
Cognitive & Emotional Effects
Anxiety affects thinking and emotions.
People may experience:
• Racing thoughts
• Catastrophic thinking
• Poor concentration
• Memory difficulties
Emotional responses include:
• Fear
• Panic
• Irritability
• Shutdown
Add symbols: Thinking cloud • Panic face • Memory icon
Anxiety in Autism & ADHD
Neurodevelopmental conditions affect the nervous system.
This can increase anxiety due to:
• Sensory overload
• Executive functioning difficulties
• Social misunderstanding
• Routine disruption
Anxiety may present as:
• Meltdowns
• Withdrawal
• Shutdown
• Avoidance
Add symbols: Sensory icons • Calendar change • Social group
Regulation & Support Strategies
Support should focus on calming the nervous system.
Helpful approaches include:
• Predictable routines
• Sensory regulation tools
• Clear communication
• Low-stimulus environments
• Emotional validation
Add symbols: Routine chart • Fidget tools • Quiet room
Self-Regulation Strategies
People can learn coping tools:
• Deep breathing
• Grounding exercises
• Movement breaks
• Music therapy
• Safe spaces
These help activate the calming system.
Add symbols: Breathing • Feet grounding • Headphones
Key Learning Message
Anxiety is a nervous system response.
It is not attention-seeking.
Understanding biology helps professionals provide better support.
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🟢 PART 2
Easy Read Module Handout
Supporting Individuals with Physical & Developmental Conditions
(Spina Bifida • Cerebral Palsy • SYNGAP1 • Global Developmental Delay)
I’ve converted your research into Easy Read format below 👇
📄 EASY READ HANDOUT
Supporting Individuals – Person-Centred Support
Key Message
People with disabilities need support that is:
• Person-centred
• Respectful
• Dignified
• Independence-focused
Support should be tailored to the individual.
Add symbols: Person centre circle • Heart • Helping hands
Conditions We May Support
Some individuals may have:
• Spina Bifida
• Cerebral Palsy
• SYNGAP1
• Global Developmental Delay
Each person has different needs.
Add symbols: Wheelchair • Brain • Child development icons
1️⃣ Mobility Support
Some people may have difficulty with movement.
This may include:
• Walking difficulties
• Balance problems
• Wheelchair use
Physiotherapists help with:
• Strength
• Posture
• Gait training
Add symbols: Wheelchair • Walking frame • Exercise
2️⃣ Personal Care Support
Some people need help with daily care.
This may include:
• Dressing
• Bathing
• Toileting
Examples:
• Catheter care (Spina Bifida)
• Muscle control support (CP)
Aids may be used to promote dignity.
Add symbols: Shower • Clothing • Toilet aid
3️⃣ Communication Support
Communication differences may include:
• Speech difficulties
• Non-verbal communication
• Understanding language
Support tools include:
• AAC devices
• Communication boards
• Speech software
Add symbols: Speech tablet • Symbols board • Talking device
4️⃣ Cognitive & Developmental Support
Some conditions affect learning and development.
This may impact:
• Memory
• Attention
• Learning speed
• Understanding instructions
Support should use:
• Simple language
• Structure
• Repetition
Add symbols: Brain • Checklist • Teaching board
Promoting Independence & Dignity
Choice & Control
Individuals should make choices about:
• Clothing
• Food
• Activities
• Routines
Choice builds confidence.
Add symbols: Clothing choice • Food icons • Calendar
Support — Don’t Take Over
Staff should:
• Encourage independence
• Prompt when needed
• Avoid doing everything for the person
This builds life skills.
Add symbols: Helping hand • Independent person
Skill Building
Break tasks into small steps.
For example:
• Cooking
• Washing
• Hygiene routines
Teach step-by-step.
Add symbols: Steps ladder • Cooking • Handwashing
Respectful Communication
Always:
• Speak directly to the person
• Use age-appropriate language
• Avoid baby talk
• Respect dignity
Add symbols: Talking faces • Respect icon
Environment & Equipment
Accessible Environments
Spaces should include:
• Ramps
• Wide doors
• Grab rails
• Non-slip floors
This improves safety and freedom.
Add symbols: Ramp • Door • Grab bar
Adaptive Equipment
Mobility aids:
• Wheelchairs
• Walkers
• Standing frames
Daily living aids:
• Bath benches
• Dressing aids
• Adapted utensils
Technology:
• AAC devices
• Speech software
• Smart home tools
Add symbols: Wheelchair • Spoon aid • Tablet device
Support Specialists
Occupational Therapists (OT)
Help with:
• Daily living skills
• Fine motor skills
• Home adaptations
Add symbols: OT therapy • Hand skills
Physiotherapists (PT)
Help with:
• Movement
• Strength
• Posture
• Mobility aids
Add symbols: Exercise • Walking training
Care Workers
Provide:
• Daily care
• Routine support
• Emotional support
• Independence building
Add symbols: Carer helping • Routine chart
Key Message
When support is tailored:
• Barriers reduce
• Independence increases
• Quality of life improves
Person-centred care benefits everyone.
Add symbols: Happy person • Support circle
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