Anxiety is a necessary part of everyone’s day. In its healthy form, anxiety can guide and protect us. Then, of course, there are instances when something truly frightening occurs. It can shape our mindset for a while, but ideally, we recover once the threat has passed. For someone with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), things are trickier.

Anxiety is not considered a symptom of ASD. However, comorbid anxiety is a big factor in the ASD experience. As many as 40 percent of people with ASD display anxiety levels high enough to warrant a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder. Left unchecked and untreated, this can hamper a person’s ability to navigate life with ASD.

5 Distinct Sources of Anxiety For People With Autism

1. Certain Social Scenarios 

It’s not as if social situations are ever easy for someone with autism. But this happens in degrees. There’s an example that dovetails with source #2 below. This is when a social plan either arises unannounced or an existing plan is changed. Other anxiety-invoking experiences might be:

• Large gatherings

• Dealing with the unpredictability of pets or young children

• Doing things outdoors 

• Starting a conversation with almost anyone

• Juggling personal plans with social plans

Any of the above can provoke versions of social anxiety. A person with ASD may already feel self-conscious. The introduction of social anxiety can feel twice as daunting. They feel watched, judged, and negatively evaluated. Another factor is separation anxiety. Children with autism, in particular, come to rely on certain people to serve as go-betweens.

2. Changes in Routines

Most people aren’t very excited about sudden changes. Someone with ASD is often quite dependent on routines as a form of calming. This could relate to:

• Chores and tasks

• Work or school (e.g., homework) 

• Household rhythms like mealtime and bedtimes 

• Personal hygiene 

Anxiety is frequently the result when forced to operate outside the realm of such routines. It can even escalate to panic.

3. Unstructured Time

A certain amount of structure is important in everyone’s life. With ASD, any form of structure can feel like a lifeline. Unlike most others, people with autism do not necessarily look forward to what is euphemistically called “free time.” In school, this means recess or lunchtime is a cause for discomfort. At any age, anxiety can rear its ugly head during any transition from one activity to the next. 

4. Sensory Overload

This is a big one. There can be no way of knowing when a sensory challenge is looming. That alone causes anxiety. When any of the following occurs, it can be instantly overwhelming:

• Large crowds

• Bright lights

• Loud noises

• Strong smells 

• Food with an unusual texture

• Tight or scratchy clothing 

• Hygiene tasks like showering or tooth-brushing 

• Medical appointments 

There can be times when sensory overload intersects with a specific phobia (another form of anxiety disorder). A specific fear can trigger both ASD symptoms and anxiety responses at the same time.

5. Academic Scenarios 

Schools have a tendency to be perplexing. All the organizing, reading, writing, answering questions, assignments, and more — all of which can be a source of dread for someone with either ASD or an anxiety disorder. When both conditions are present, a person can be left feeling in a permanent state of high alert.

How to Cope with Autism and Anxiety

Studies find that a blend of talk therapy and self-help can positively and powerfully impact this challenging scenario. Depending on the severity of either disorder, an experienced therapist will provide a blueprint for managing the comorbidity. If you or someone you know is struggling with a blend of autism and anxiety, I urge you to reach out for professional guidance.

Learn more about Anxiety Treatment…