Children’s Mental Health Week is from 9 to 15 February. Children and young people can feel worried, stressed or overwhelmed at times and that can be even harder when you’re also managing disability, additional needs, or caring responsibilities.
This article was written by Sarah Clark, Specialist Family Support Worker in Bromley Mencap’s Specialist Autism Family Support Service. It shares simple, practical ideas that families can try at home, plus where to get support in Bromley.
Autism and anxiety: why it can happen
Many autistic children and young people experience anxiety. There are lots of reasons for this, including:
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Sensory overload (noise, lights, crowds, textures, smells)
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Social uncertainty (not being sure what is expected)
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Change and unpredictability (unexpected plans or routines changing)
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Communication challenges (not being able to explain feelings easily)
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Masking (trying hard to “fit in”, which can be exhausting)
Everyone feels worried sometimes. Anxiety usually becomes a bigger mental health concern when it is:
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Intense and persistent, not just occasional worry
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Lasting weeks or months, not just a short stressful period
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Starting to affect day-to-day life, for example:
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avoiding school or social situations
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difficulty sleeping or eating
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stopping someone from learning, building friendships, or becoming more independent
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frequent headaches, stomach aches, panic feelings, or a racing heart
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usual supports (like routines or sensory tools) no longer reducing distress
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If you recognise any of the above in your child, support is available.
Two simple strategies you can try
1) “Say the worry”
Sometimes it helps to name what the worry is either out loud, or written down.
For example: “I’m worried about…” / “I’m nervous because…”
This can help a child or young person feel understood and less stuck in the feeling.
2) The “Worry Tree”
This is a simple way to sort worries into two groups: worries we can act on now, and worries we can’t change right now.
Ask: “Can we change this worry right now?”
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If YES:
Make a plan with small steps and a simple timeline. -
If NO:
Practise “letting the worry go”. One idea is to imagine the worry, then picture blowing it away. This can take practice and may need repeating.
Support available in Bromley
Here are some local services you may find helpful:
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b-HIVE – therapies and support for children, teenagers and young adults in Bromley
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Bromley Y – mental health and emotional wellbeing support (phone: 020 3770 8848 or email info@bromleyy.org)
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Bromley Autism Guide & Bromley Children Project (Social Communication (including Autism) Needs Service) – information, enquiries and family support (phone: 020 8461 7697)
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Specialist Autism Family Support Service (Bromley Mencap) – short-term, targeted support for parents/carers of children with autism or social communication needs (see below)
Crisis and urgent help
If you need urgent support:
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CAMHS Crisis Line (under 18s and parents/carers needing support for their children): 020 3228 5980 (5pm–11pm weekdays, weekends)
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NHS 111 (Option 2 for mental health emergencies)
Support from Bromley Mencap
Specialist Autism Family Support Service
Bromley Mencap provides short-term, focused support for parents and carers of children with autism or social communication needs. Referrals can be made via schools/professionals, or families can self-refer via the Bromley Children Project online form.
Short Breaks services (wellbeing support for families)
Short Breaks can support wellbeing by giving disabled children and young people fun, meaningful activities and giving families a valuable break.
We currently offer the following
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One-to-one Short Breaks support is available (at home or out in the community): £22.50 per hour.
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Short Breaks Saturday Club launching in February, at The Lodge, Hook Farm Road, Bromley, BR2 9SX (clubs grouped by age ranges): £67.50 for a 3-hour session.
To find out more or register your interest, contact Sarah Garner (Short Breaks Coordinator):
07892 728643 / 020 8466 0790
sarah.garner@bromleymencap.org
Young Carers (delivered on behalf of Bromley Well)
Bromley Mencap also delivers the Bromley Well Young Carers service on behalf of Bromley Well, supporting young carers and their families. To make a referral, please visit the Bromley Well website.
Important note
Bromley Mencap is not a specialist mental health service. The ideas above are general suggestions and won’t be right for everyone. If you are worried about a child or young person’s mental health, please speak to a professional and use the local support options listed above.
