Meet Susie, a 10-year-old girl with an autism spectrum disorder. She loves playing with her stuffed animals, drawing pictures, and walking in the park with her mom. But lately, Susie has been feeling more anxious than usual. Here’s how affective disorders might look for Susie:
- Susie’s anxiety may be triggered by changes in her routine or unexpected events, like a change in her classroom schedule or a loud noise.
- When Susie feels anxious, she may have trouble sleeping, feel more irritable or upset than usual, or avoid activities she used to enjoy.
- Susie’s mom notices that she’s been more withdrawn and less interested in playing with her stuffed animals, usually her favorite toys.
- Susie’s mom takes her to a doctor, who diagnoses her with an anxiety disorder and recommends therapy and medication to help manage her symptoms.
With treatment, Susie learns coping strategies to manage her anxiety and feels more comfortable in social situations. She can enjoy playing with her stuffed animals again and looks forward to going on walks with her mom. Susie’s mom is relieved to see her daughter feeling better and is grateful for the support she received from healthcare professionals.
In conclusion, affective disorders like mood and anxiety disorders can significantly impact the lives of children with special needs. Early intervention and support, including medication and therapy, can help manage symptoms and improve mental health. In addition, products like Goally can assist children in building life and language skills through fun apps and digital visual schedules.
