🟡 Easy Read Module Anxiety & The Nervous System

 

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Slide 1 – Title

Anxiety & The Nervous System
Easy Read

We will learn:

• What anxiety is
• How the body reacts
• Why did it happen?
• How to help

Widgit visuals:
Brain • Worried face • Heart • Helping hands

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Slide 2 – What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear.

Everyone feels anxious sometimes.

But some people feel anxiety more often.

It can affect:

• Thoughts
• Feelings
• The body

Widgit symbols:
Worried face • Thinking cloud • Heart/body icon

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Slide 3 – The Nervous System

The nervous system is the body’s control centre.

It sends messages around the body.

It helps control:

• Breathing
• Heart rate
• Movement
• Feelings

Widgit symbols:
Brain • Nerves/body outline • Heartbeat

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Slide 4 – Fight, Flight, Freeze

When we feel scared, the nervous system reacts.

This is called:

Fight – Flight – Freeze

• Fight → Want to argue or defend
• Flight → Want to run away
• Freeze → Feel stuck or silent

Widgit symbols:
Fist • Running person • Frozen person

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Slide 5 – Body Signs of Anxiety

Anxiety can cause physical feelings:

• Fast heartbeat
• Sweating
• Shaking
• Feeling sick
• Breathing fast

This is the body trying to stay safe.

Widgit symbols:
Heart • Sweat face • Shaking hands • Breathing icon

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Slide 6 – Thoughts & Feelings

People may think:

• “Something bad will happen.”
• “I can’t cope.”
• “People don’t understand me.”

They may feel:

• Scared
• Overwhelmed
• Confused

Widgit symbols:
Thinking cloud • Sad face • Stress icon

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Slide 7 – Anxiety & Autism / ADHD

People with Autism or ADHD may feel anxiety more strongly.

This can be due to:

• Sensory overload
• Social stress
• Change of routine
• Communication difficulties

Widgit symbols:
Ear/light icons • Group of people • Calendar change • Speech bubble

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Slide 8 – How to Help

Helpful support includes:

• Calm spaces
• Clear communication
• Extra time
• Routine
• Reassurance

Widgit symbols:
Quiet room • Talking icons • Clock • Routine chart • Helping hands

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Slide 9 – Self-Help Strategies

People can try:

• Deep breathing
• Taking breaks
• Listening to music
• Talking to someone
• Using sensory tools

Widgit symbols:
Breathing icon • Rest symbol • Music note • Friend • Fidget tool

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Slide 10 – Key Message

Anxiety is real.

It is not a weakness.

Support, understanding, and coping tools help people feel safe.

Widgit symbols:
Heart • Shield • Helping hands