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"Anxiety floods the entire system”: A Qualitative Study Exploring Teacher Perspectives regarding how Anxiety impacts Autistic Pupils with co-occurring Intellectual Disabilities.

Giltinan, Kate, Kenny, Neil orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-2340-6586 and Goodall, Craig orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-5713-9009 (2025) "Anxiety floods the entire system”: A Qualitative Study Exploring Teacher Perspectives regarding how Anxiety impacts Autistic Pupils with co-occurring Intellectual Disabilities. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs (JORSEN) . ISSN 1471-3802

Abstract
This qualitative study investigates teachers’ perspectives on anxiety among autistic learners with intellectual disabilities (ID) in special school settings. Research in this area remains limited, with existing studies often overlooking the distinct ways anxiety manifests and interacts with ID in this population. Semi-structured interviews with eight teachers explored their views on anxiety presentation, triggers, and strategies for support. Reflexive thematic analysis provided nuanced insights into the findings. Teachers highlighted that anxiety often presents through behaviours misinterpreted as core features of autism, complicating identification and response to emotional needs. Environmental factors, including sensory stimuli, routine disruptions, and limited spaces for sensory breaks, emerged as significant triggers. Unpredictable staffing and incompatible pupil groupings further exacerbated anxiety, contributing to social withdrawal and self-regulation challenges. To address these issues, teachers described using proactive strategies, such as transition planning, building trust, or low-arousal environments. They emphasised the need for a whole-school, collaborative approach, alongside multidisciplinary support. However, teachers often felt overwhelmed due or limited access to external specialists or support. Participants advocated for neurodiversity-affirming practices focusing on environmental triggers and regulation. The study underscores the importance of increased teacher support, comprehensive planning, and integrating family and community resources to develop consistent anxiety management strategies.
Metadata
Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:Autism; Anxiety; Intellectual Disability; Special Education; Teachers.
Subjects:Social Sciences > Education
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Institute of Education
DCU Faculties and Schools > Institute of Education > School of Inclusive & Special Education
DCU Faculties and Schools
Research Institutes and Centres > Centre for Inclusive Pedagogy
Publisher:Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Official URL:https://nasenjournals-onlinelibrary-wiley-com.dcu....
Copyright Information:Authors
Funders:Funded by Dublin City University Educational Trust under the Kerley Autism Education Scholarship scheme, which supported the tuition fees of the first author.
ID Code:30997
Deposited On:28 Apr 2025 08:40 by Carroll Keoghan . Last Modified 28 Apr 2025 08:40
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