Overview
Coping strategies are personal, practical tools that help autistic people navigate a world not built for them. The best strategies are chosen with — not for — the autistic person.
Key points to understand
- Sensory tools: ear defenders, sunglasses, weighted blankets, fidgets, chewy jewellery.
- Visual supports: schedules, social stories, comic strip conversations, now/next boards.
- Predictability: clear routines, advance notice of change, written plans.
- Recovery time after demanding events is non-negotiable.
Practical strategies that help
- Build a personalised 'toolbox' card or app with go-to strategies.
- Use special interests as a regulating anchor in stressful days.
- Plan transitions (school to home, work to rest) with a buffer ritual.
Common challenges to be aware of
- Strategies that work today may stop working tomorrow — keep iterating.
- Don't remove a coping strategy without offering a replacement.
How Bright Steps can help
Bright Steps brings together autistic people, families, carers and professionals across the UK. You can use the Community to talk to others who get it, save articles and activities to your Library, and explore Resources built for everyday life. Our Routines and Reward Charts turn ideas from this article into things you can try today.
💡 Tip: Bookmark this article using the Save button at the top so you can come back to it. Everything you save lives in your personal library under Saved.
References & further reading
- National Autistic Society — Behaviour
- Challenging Behaviour Foundation
- NICE Guideline NG11 — Challenging behaviour
✏️ This article will be expanded with rich, UK-specific content, case studies, video explainers and downloadable resources. If you'd like to contribute a story or suggest a correction, contact the Bright Steps editors via the Community page.