Strategies for Rapidly Reducing Anxiety in Your Guardian Angel
Melissa, a loving mother, shares her experiences in finding calming solutions for her 13-year-old daughter, Juliana, who has Angelman syndrome. This condition, characterised by anxiety, has been a years-long challenge for the family.
Juliana's favourites are an essential part of Melissa's daily routine. Whether it's her iPad, a beach ball, music, Ladybug doll, or jelly beans, Melissa always tries to have at least one of these items with her to help soothe Juliana when she's anxious or upset.
During Juliana's first COVID-19 vaccine appointment, Melissa learned a valuable lesson about preparing Juliana's favourites. She realised the importance of having these items ready to help Juliana cope with the unfamiliar and stressful environment.
When a meltdown occurs, distractions like overreaching smiles, silly gestures, or hide-and-seek games can help calm Juliana. Thirty minutes of quiet time in her room, one of her favourite places, also often helps to settle her.
Occupational therapy techniques, such as brushing and compression activities, are another intervention used to calm Juliana. Strong, purposeful hugs are part of these activities, providing comfort and reassurance.
Reinforcing specific strategies works well with Juliana, as she learns best with repetition. The "nice hands" booklet, for instance, is used to reinforce good behaviour in Juliana when she is reported to be being handsy and pushy with her classmates.
If Juliana is away from home and her favourites are not available, a long series of hugs and tugs on her limbs can work as a substitute. Surprisingly, this physical connection seems to have a calming effect on Juliana.
Juliana's bedroom is one of her favourite places, and she has learned to choose this option herself using her talker. If all else fails, spending time in Juliana's room can be a calming solution for her.
Reading the "nice hands" booklet with Juliana in the morning and afternoon has improved her behaviour, providing another tool in Melissa's arsenal of calming solutions. Through this journey, Melissa has learned to always have a few tricks up her sleeves to help Juliana navigate the challenges of life with Angelman syndrome.
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