Anxiety & How It Impacts Those on the Autism Spectrum

Photo by Nik Shuliahin 💛💙 on Unsplash

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a mental health condition characterized by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness about everyday situations. It can manifest in various ways, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic attacks, and specific phobias. People with anxiety often experience physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, trembling, and difficulty breathing, along with persistent negative thoughts and a constant sense of impending doom. While it is natural to feel anxious occasionally, chronic anxiety can be overwhelming, interfering with daily activities and diminishing a person's quality of life.

How Autism Impacts Depression

Anxiety can significantly impact someone who is autistic, often intertwining with the sensory sensitivities, social challenges, and need for a routine that many autistic individuals experience. The heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli, such as loud noises or bright lights, can trigger or exacerbate anxiety, leading to overwhelming feelings of distress. Additionally, the unpredictability of social interactions and the difficulty in interpreting social cues can make navigating social situations, particularly anxiety-inducing for autistic individuals. This can result in avoidance behaviors, further isolating them and potentially limiting their opportunities for social engagement and personal growth.

The impact of anxiety on an autistic person can also extend to their ability to manage daily routines and cope with change. Many autistic individuals rely on structured routines to feel secure, and unexpected changes can be a significant source of anxiety. This heightened anxiety can lead to increased rigidity in routines and a reluctance to try new things, which may hinder their ability to adapt to new environments or experiences. Moreover, anxiety in autistic individuals might manifest as physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches, or through repetitive behaviors as a means of self-soothing. Understanding and addressing anxiety in autistic individuals requires a tailored approach that takes into account their unique sensory and social experiences, with a focus on creating supportive environments and strategies to manage anxiety effectively.

Finding Hope

Despite the challenges anxiety presents for autistic individuals, there is hope for managing and overcoming these difficulties. With the right support, including tailored therapeutic approaches such as acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) specifically adapted for autism, mindfulness practices, and sensory integration techniques, autistic individuals can learn to manage their anxiety effectively. Creating a predictable and supportive environment, along with clear communication and understanding from caregivers and loved ones, can also make a significant difference in reducing anxiety levels. While anxiety may always be a part of life for some autistic individuals, it is possible to develop strategies that allow them to lead more peaceful, fulfilling lives, where anxiety no longer dominates their experiences.

We at ScenicView Clinic are trained in supporting individuals working through depression. We also recognize how autism can make certain challenges such as depression particularly challenging, and we are prepared to help you work through a neurodiverse-friendly lens. To schedule a free consultation with a therapist, call 801-226-2550 or text 801-226-8297.