Anxiety is not considered to be a core feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Yet, it is easily the most common co-morbid condition. About half of 10 people with ASD also struggle with a severe anxiety disorder. To be clear, we’re not talking about typical levels of inevitable anxiousness.
An anxiety disorder presents with major amounts of worry, fear, and panic. This state can be brought on by real or perceived dangers or threats. If not addressed, anxiety can hamper your day-to-day functioning and energy level. But why are anxiety disorders so common for people with ASD?
Symptoms of Anxiety For People With ASD
- Sleep disturbances
- General edginess, irritability, and restlessness
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Loss of concentration and focus
- Difficulty making decisions and remembering things
- Sweating, trembling, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath
- Muscle aches and tension
- Avoidance and isolation
- Chronic worry, dread, and panic
Keep these signs in mind when pondering the list below.
5 Factors That Can Cause Anxiety for an Individual with ASD
1. Communication
For many people with autism, a straightforward conversation goes smoothly. Where it gets tricky is when any of the following is involved:
- Sarcasm
- Metaphor
- Body language
- Vocal tone and inflection
- Facial expressions
- Slang
- Idiom
It only makes sense that you’d feel anxious when you’re unsure what people mean when they’re speaking to you. Then, if you choose to remain quiet, that can be judged as a statement or judgment.
2. Sensory Overload
Crowds, loud noises and sounds, bright lights, flashing lights, and more—all of these can be physically painful to a person with ASD. Since modern life makes such sensory attacks hard to evade, it adds up to cause chronic anxiety. Other sensory factors to consider are:
- Smells and odors
- Food textures
- Tight or scratchy clothing
- Hygiene norms like showering, shaving, and brushing your teeth
- Getting a haircut
3. Intolerance
People with ASD are usually aware that they behave differently than what is considered typical. This makes them prone to worry about how they’re perceived. It also leads to misunderstandings. They may feel as if they are being teased, harassed, or bullied — and it may be true. It may also be a case of words and actions being misinterpreted. Such a situation can be incredibly stressful and worrisome. In instances of legitimate bullying, anxiety can become intense.
4. Social Situations in General
The basics can be easy. You meet someone, introduce yourself, etc. But human social interactions are complex. For just about everyone, it’s tough to know where and how you fit in. Factor ASD into the mix, and it can be nerve-wracking. Is someone showing interest in me? If I say this, will it sound like a joke or an insult? Also, as detailed in #3 above, it can be hard to discern when you are the butt of a joke.
5. Lack of Structure
Generally speaking, someone with ASD does well with structure. Life, however, does not always cooperate. Without rules, rhythm, or routine, you can feel lost. New experiences and unplanned events can throw you for a loop. When a person with ASD enters such a scenario, it can amplify all of the above factors. Everything feels more daunting and with higher stakes.
Taking Steps to Manage Anxiety
With or without ASD involved, anxiety is the most common mental health issue on the planet. This means you are not alone. It also means that a wide variety of self-help steps and treatments exist. If you are an individual with ASD who also experiences anxiety, it’s critical that you reach out for support. A qualified, experienced therapist is the ideal person to help you manage your concerns.
