Anxiety in Autism: 6 Triggers You Should Know

How do you calm anxiety in autism?

Anxiety in autism manifests as a long-term condition with variable intensity. Anxiety disorders are one of the most frequent coexisting conditions in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with incidence rates of 40% in children and 50% in adults.

Although anxiety is a typical response to specific situations we all experience sometimes, anxiety disorders may persist over time, affecting performance in daily activities and impacting mental and physical health.

In the context of autism, anxiety can have various triggers that may be unfamiliar to those who are neurotypical. However, awareness of these factors can contribute significantly to mitigating feelings of stress.

In this ABA Centers of Tennessee blog, we seek to provide parents with a comprehensive guide to anxiety in autism. The aim is to enhance their comprehension of the way anxiety looks like in autism, enable them to recognize it, tackle particular triggers, and acquire valuable techniques to support their dear ones in handling these troublesome emotions. How do you calm anxiety in autism? We will explore helpful and useful answers to provide support for those in need.

What Does Anxiety in Autism Look Like?

To understand anxiety in autism, we must begin by understanding what each of these disorders is about. To start with, ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which social and communication skills are affected, impacting behavior and the way we process information around us. The “spectrum” refers to the wide variety and levels of severity of the symptoms of autism and the functional abilities of each person.

On the other hand, the National Institute of Mental Health describes anxiety disorders as worry or fear that does not go away and worsens over time, interfering with daily activities, performance at work, school, and relationships. Anxiety doesn’t always look the same; there are different types, like panic disorders, social anxiety, and phobias.

You can see anxiety in autism as constant worry and nervousness, which often manifests through behaviors such as stimming, resistance to changes in routine, fixation on particular interests, and increased challenging behaviors.

Children and adolescents with autism may have difficulty verbally expressing that they are feeling anxious, so it is critical to remain alert to warning signs such as:

• Trouble sleeping
• Seizures and emotional outbursts
• Avoiding social situations and isolating themselves
• Hurting themselves, banging their heads, scratching their skin, and biting their hands

Triggers of Anxiety in Autism

Neurodiverse individuals are more susceptible to experiencing anxiety due to their neurological and sensory processes, as well as the various challenges they face in social communication. It is a fact that the world we live in is primarily designed for neurotypical people, meaning that individuals with autism have to constantly adjust and process stimuli that can be too much for them to handle. In the context of autism, experts have associated anxiety with the following triggers:

1. Sensory Overload: Individuals on the autism spectrum may experience both hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity to sensory stimuli, manifesting in adverse responses or excessive interest in certain stimuli affecting all the senses: sight, taste, touch, hearing, smell, proprioception, and vestibular sense. The way a person on the spectrum processes sensory information can result in hypersensitivity reactions, leading to overstimulation that generates discomfort and response behaviors such as avoidance or escape. On the other hand, hyposensitivity involves a lack of stimulation, causing discomfort and manifesting in a failure to identify stimuli that may be harmful or trigger stimulation-seeking behaviors.
2. Social Anxiety: For many people on the autism spectrum, social interaction and communication are significant challenges. They commonly find it difficult to understand social cues and body language, which can lead to stress and anxiety in social situations. According to research from Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Social Anxiety (SA) tends to coexist with ASD. SA prevalence suggests that the social-communicative impairments inherent in autism may influence social experiences and contribute to the development of this disorder.
3. Changes in Routine: Routines can be very beneficial for people with autism as they provide a sense of predictability and security, thus decreasing their anxiety levels. However, unexpected changes in routines and surprising events can induce feelings of stress by breaking with the structure to which people on the spectrum feel safe.
4. Interaction Difficulties: As previously mentioned, people on the autism spectrum often face challenges in their social interactions. Expressing feelings and emotions, for example, can be complicated, leading to frustration in needing the right tools to communicate. In addition, understanding other people’s intentions can contribute to anxiety in autism, as those on the spectrum tend to speak literally. In their interactions with others, they find it challenging to understand expressions such as sarcasm, gestures, and social cues.
5. Coexisting Conditions: As Autism Empowerment and Spectrum Life Magazine point out, people with autism often face other conditions and diagnoses that can coexist with ASD. For example, commonly associated conditions include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), auditory processing disorder (APD), dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyslexia, executive functioning disorder, and sensory processing disorder (SPD), among others. There are also mental health challenges that coexist with autism, such as anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, or bipolar disorder.

Approaching Anxiety in Autism

Caring for a person with autism involves facing many challenges, especially when you add anxiety issues to the equation. However, it is possible to successfully navigate the autism and anxiety journey with the proper support, implementation of strategies, and proper knowledge, all backed by a significant dose of love, patience, and understanding. Below, we share some strategies recommended by the ABA Centers of Tennessee for addressing anxiety in autism:

1. Identify Triggers: It is essential to recognize your child’s anxiety triggers in order to avoid them or address them early. Establishing coping strategies for situations that sometimes we cannot control is vital. For example, if you know that your child is affected by loud sounds and you anticipate a visit to a place where turning down the volume is unavoidable, wearing noise-canceling headphones could help.
2. Establish Routines: As previously mentioned, routines are highly beneficial for people with autism. The consistency and structure they provide create a sense of security, thus helping to reduce the anxiety associated with uncertainty. You can involve your children in the construction of their routine, letting them add activities they enjoy.
3. Encourage Communication: It’s essential to foster an environment of open communication with your child so that they feel at ease expressing their emotions and concerns. Your child may struggle with verbal expression and may need other means, such as art or music, to communicate. Explore a variety of options and provide support as required.
4. Explore Coping Strategies: Tackle anxiety with your child by exploring various relaxation techniques. Work together to learn tools to help them regain calm, such as practicing deep breathing, mindfulness activities, or using comforting objects.
5. Find Support With ABA Therapy: Science-based autism therapeutic approaches can be critical to face the challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder. Professionals who implement Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy possess in-depth knowledge of practical techniques for managing anxiety in autism. With ABA therapy, children can empower their communication skills and acquire healthy coping mechanisms. In addition, therapists work collaboratively with parents, providing them with strategies to cope during moments of distress.
6. Provide Professional Assistance: It is essential to seek support from a professional who specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, especially in cases of severe anxiety. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications for anxiety management. In addition, considering alternative therapy options such as art therapy, music therapy, hippotherapy, or sports therapy may be beneficial in relieving anxiety in autism. Although anxiety disorder has no definitive cure, professional interventions can significantly aid in symptom management.

ABA Centers of Tennessee and ABA Therapy for Anxiety in Autism

ABA therapy focuses on teaching essential social and communication skills to individuals with autism, facilitating their successful navigation of social interactions and promoting their overall development. With our team of professionals (BCBAs and RBTs) in ABA therapy, we work to strengthen your child’s confidence and social skills, contributing to the reduction of anxiety symptoms that often manifest in social contexts.

ABA therapy uses educational techniques such as positive reinforcement to promote positive behaviors and healthy coping mechanisms. In our therapy plans, we incorporate creative options like art and play, which enhance self-expression and problem-solving skills, thus helping to minimize anxiety in autism.

Anxiety is a common condition in autism, but it is crucial to address it promptly and provide the appropriate help to prevent more challenging consequences in the long run. Families in Brentwood, Hendersonville, Nashville, Madison, and any part of the state of Tennessee can reach out to our center for quality and timely assistance. Call us at (844) 423-9483 to schedule a free consultation, or contact us online. Start ABA therapy today and witness your child with autism flourishing!