Over the years, lack of eye contact from a person diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been mistaken as an indication of a lack of empathy or connection with others.
However, studies have shown that autistic individuals refrain from eye contact because it causes anxiety.
When it comes to autism and anxiety disorder, people may experience different kinds of it. At one point, everyone goes through some kind of stress, but the anxiety that people with autism have is often characterized by intense worrying, panic attacks, and phobias that can be debilitating
For those people with ASD who are unable to communicate well, it becomes a greater challenge to diagnose an anxiety disorder. Here is some information to consider when identifying it in children and adults with autism.
Understanding anxiety and its cycles
Anxiety is a recurring feeling of fear over a perceived threat, which can be caused by certain situations or factors. It may be caused by many things, such as speaking in public, hearing a loud noise, or by the body’s fight-or-flight response.
Anxiety comes in what is called a vicious cycle. It starts slow, but once it occurs, most sufferers begin to worry about the anxiety itself. People who experience social anxiety or panic attacks often worry about the next panic attack.
They also worry about who might see them when the attack happens or if ever there will be help when it’s needed. This worrying over the next attack can send the person on a vicious cycle, wherein the anxiety becomes the cause of fear, and it replaces or adds to the original fear.
Autism and anxiety disorder
Approximately 40 percent of people with autism spectrum disorder are diagnosed with anxiety disorder. The most common kinds of anxiety they experience include:
- separation anxiety,
- social anxiety,
- panic disorder,
- phobia-related anxiety, such as fear of thunderstorms, fear of choking, etc.
It is beneficial for people with ASD that the link between anxiety and autism has been made clear so the appropriate treatment can be determined. It’s also important to know the physical symptoms to be able to get the right treatment.
Some of the most common physical symptoms of autism include:
- sweaty palms,
- avoiding or being averse to the flight or fight response,
- pounding heart,
- sweating, etc.
Stimming or self-stimulation may also indicate anxiety, such as pulling at clothes, tearing up pieces of paper, or any behavior of the same type.
The best way to manage panic attacks and autism
For a person who has anxiety disorder, and even for their loved ones, it is important to cultivate acceptance. This is the only way to avoid the previously mentioned vicious cycle.
It’s also helpful to talk about it in a different manner or approach, such as the use of a card system that allows the child to express his feelings of anxiety by choosing the card that says “I’m afraid.”
Light humor can also help some people who undergo an anxiety attack by calming the senses.
In addition, there are calming techniques that can be done by anyone who experiences anxiety attack symptoms. One of these is steady and deep breathing.
Focusing on your breathing will help you shift your focus from the anxiety. It’s also important to find a safe place to go to once the anxiety sets in.
Positive reinforcement can help in setting up some steps to reduce the likelihood of an anxiety attack. Young children will be able to understand and appreciate the little steps toward resolving anxiety disorder when they are given rewards for their accomplishments.
In the end, whether or not a person has been diagnosed with autism, anxiety disorder, or both, it is necessary to accept, recognize, and deal with the challenges appropriately. You can start by following the aforementioned tips.
FAQs
Q: Are panic attacks a symptom of autism?
A: Panic attacks are not a core symptom of autism, but autistic individuals may experience them due to sensory overload, anxiety, or difficulty with change. Co-occurring conditions like generalized anxiety disorder can also contribute to panic attacks.
Q: What causes panic attacks in autism?
A: Panic attacks in autism are often triggered by sensory overload, unexpected changes, social anxiety, or difficulties in processing emotions. Autistic individuals may struggle with regulating anxiety, making them more prone to intense panic responses.
Q: Can autism be mistaken for anxiety?
A: Yes, autism can be mistaken for anxiety because both conditions involve difficulties with social interactions, heightened stress responses, and repetitive behaviors. However, autism includes broader traits such as sensory sensitivities and differences in communication that distinguish it from anxiety disorders.
Q: How do you calm down an autistic, anxious person?
A: Providing a quiet, familiar space, using calming techniques like deep pressure or breathing exercises, and validating their feelings can help reduce anxiety. Avoiding overwhelming stimuli and offering clear, predictable communication can also be beneficial.
References
Jenkinson, R., Milne, E., & Thompson, A. (2020). The relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety in autism: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Autism, 24(8), 1933-1944. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1362361320932437
McVey, A. J. (2019). The neurobiological presentation of anxiety in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Autism Research, 12(3), 346-369. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/aur.2063
Kirsch, A. C., Huebner, A. R., Mehta, S. Q., Howie, F. R., Weaver, A. L., Myers, S. M., … & Katusic, S. K. (2020). Association of comorbid mood and anxiety disorders with autism spectrum disorder. JAMA pediatrics, 174(1), 63-70. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/article-abstract/2755414
Hamatani, S., Matsumoto, K., & Shirayama, Y. (2020). Blended cognitive behavioural therapy for adolescents with panic disorder co-morbid with autism spectrum disorder: a case study. the Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, 13, e37. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-cognitive-behaviour-therapist/article/blended-cognitive-behavioural-therapy-for-adolescents-with-panic-disorder-comorbid-with-autism-spectrum-disorder-a-case-study/0B122DAFE80E9DDC177A1EBADE27DE71
Attacks, P. Autism and Panic Attacks: Symptoms, Causes, and Coping Strategies. https://neurolaunch.com/autism-and-panic-attacks/
