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Dealing with Anxiety issues?

Kerry - posted on 01/13/2009 ( 3 moms have responded )

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My aspergers daughter now 14, is having trouble sleeping at night. She has started to 'worry' that everything will "kill' her. She logically knows it wont or the chances are slim, but the worry keeps her awake most of the night. I even tried letting her sleep in my room with me but she still was awake and got up and watched TV most of the night.
Its taken her months to tell me what is going on. She worrys that each mark on her might kill her it might be cancer etc. I tried to give her some panadol to help with sleep but she gagged on it thinking it had stuff in it that would kil her.
Its so hard when she logically knows all that is rubbish, then takes another breath and it catches so then the worry starts again.
Anyone had any sucess with anxiety overload, without using meds?
thx

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Christy - posted on 01/18/2009

My son is having anxiety attacks over puking. He is obessed with every sound or bump that his stomach makes. Our doctor said that anxieties were very common with children on the spectrum. He has now made me the puking expert. My duties include but not limited to: telling him he is okay, giving him ideas to think about other than puking, and that the noises and feelings are normal belly things. lol Thanks Cheri I'll look into the book. It could be a lifesaver.

Kerry - posted on 01/14/2009

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Thanks cheree, I will have a look around to see whts about. I was hoping for a very quick fix so i dont have to buy and digest a book!

I gave her pheergan last night (she went to sleep very early for her) and still slept in today. I dont know how much or a hangover she will have from being medicated but at least she had one decent nights sleep!

Thanks for your answer. :))

Cheri - posted on 01/14/2009

My son is almost 7 and has definite anxiety isses. We got him the book, When My Worries Get Too Big and that helped him a ton. It really helps them identify their feelings and gives them techniques to calm. It has made a huge difference. It may be too "young" for your daughter, but have you thought searching Amazon in that area for something that might be a little more age appropriate?