Anxiety is defined as a persistent feeling of worry or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Statistics suggest that as many as 40% of teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience intense feelings of nervousness and panic compared to 3% of neurotypical teens. While not exclusive to people with autism, it is much more prevalent among them. Two in five people with autism are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder by the time they reach adulthood. Experiencing high levels of anxiety has a significant impact on anyone’s ability to thrive at school or work. Here, we're going to delve into the link between anxiety and autism and give you practical tools to help you or your teen combat anxiety.  

Types of Anxiety 

The source of anxiety for those with ASD falls into one of the following categories: 

• Social, including fear of new people or social environments 

• Generalized anxiety, where there is no specific cause but a high prevalence of anxious thoughts and behaviors 

• Transitional, intense distress experienced as a result of changes to routine 

• Sensory overload or feelings of being overwhelmed due to being in an environment with high levels of noise, people, movement, or light

• Specific irrational fear or phobia, many with ASD develop an intense fear of particular objects, places, or people, proximity to a trigger can result in anxiety 

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, a disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and/or behaviors (compulsions) that he or she feels the urge to repeat over and over. 

Physical & Behavioral Symptoms 

Sometimes people with ASD cannot verbalize their feelings of discomfort or fear. In such situations, their loved ones or caretakers must assess their behaviors. Typical physical and behavioral symptoms of anxiety include: 

• Agitation or visible distress 

• Shakiness or shortness of breath 

• Excessive sweating or nausea 

• Meltdowns, outbursts, or tantrums 

• Seeking constant reassurance 

• Avoidance, like refusing to go to school or work

• Self-harm

The Link 

The defining characteristics of ASD themselves can cause a person with autism to endure elevated mental stress. Some of these characteristics include mental rigidity (the inability or refusal to appreciate another person's viewpoint or emotions, also considered lack of empathy), strict adherence to routine, and obsessive thinking. This results in a disposition towards anxious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 

Scientists say that physiological factors also play a part. Feelings of fear come from the part of the brain called the amygdala. In neurotypical people, the amygdala continues to grow well into adulthood. Those with ASD typically experience a halt to this growth around age 12. It may even shrink. This directly impacts their ability to observe, experience, and process fear and distress. So, what can parents do if their student has anxiety? 

Anxiety Busters 

It is possible to manage anxiety, and by adopting new habits, many experience significant improvement in their ability to deal with it. For those with ASD and their caretakers, recommended action points are: 

• Consulting with a medical professional who will assess your student's case and determine if medication or therapy like Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) would be beneficial 

• Making dietary changes to eliminate any caffeine or foods that induce spikes in blood sugar 

• Using a daily anxiety tracker to gather data around the causes of anxious feelings

• Experimenting with mindful activities like art, meditation, and breathing techniques 

• Reaching out to support groups in the area for teens and adults with ASD

Dealing with anxiety as someone with autism might be challenging, but with a positive mindset and practical tools, living life with reduced stress is possible. For more tips including creating healthy habits, routines, and more, download our printable Autism Toolkit. It's packed full of practical tools parents & students can use every day, including tips, tricks, and how-to's for common everyday obstacles, as well as fun printable checklists for daily routines to help your teen stay on track.

• 📔 The Importance of Routine

• ✅ Daily Routine Checklists

• 😴 Autism & Sleep Disorders

• 💤 Bedtime Routine Checklist

• 🛌 Bedtime Passes

• 🥘 Autism & Digestive Issues

• 🍎 Healthy Eating Checklist

And much more! Download your copy now.

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