The Link Between Anxiety and Autism

The Link Between Anxiety and Autism

Introduction

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neural function disorder that is a neural development disability that is caused by a different genetic dysfunction in the brain during birth.

Yes, in this community, many concerned parents are trying to navigate their way through ASD for their children.

Because ASD can cause many problems in the normal growth and development of the child’s cognitive behavior and motor skills. Throughout their lifetime, they might also start suffering from health issues like gut health and low immunity.

However, what makes people the most concerned is the mental health diseases that some ASD patients deal with.

Anxiety is one of them!

General Symptoms Of Anxiety

Here are some of the general anxiety symptoms that you might start to notice in your child. These are some of the earliest signs of anxiety that ASD patients get diagnosed with.

Studies show that up to 84% of children with autism might suffer from anxiety, but anxiety might differ from patient to patient.

  • Beginning of irrational fear or phobia at a very young age.
  • Beginning of mental health issues like Obsessive-compulsive disorders or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders) can lead to chronic anxiety issues.
  • Extreme fear of socializing with anyone of their age or someone older. This can be deemed as their social anxiety acting up.
  • They also feel more insecure and have this irrational fear of judging.
  • They might also have some separation anxiety from their parents or someone close with whom they feel comfortable.
  • Children with ASD do not like changes. Therefore, they can get very aggressive regarding these sudden social or environmental changes. However, this aggressiveness is only a byproduct of their severe anxiety.

Diagnosis For Anxiety In ASD

When it comes to anxiety, here are the medical diagnoses that you can try as a parent of your ASD children.

 

  • There has to be a complete analysis of the history of anxiety of the patient by a professional. It is very important to diagnose whether the patient suffers from social anxiety or general anxiety.

 

  • There is some cognitive behavioral therapyand even speech therapy that can help the child as well as supplements to support development of the brain and nervous system in ASD children

 

  • As a parent or a teacher helping someone with ASD, you should always talk to professionals about dealing with it. Plus, you should keep talking to the child as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

No two autism patients are the same, but yes, there are some researchers who have proven that autistic patients are prone to suffering from some kind of anxiety disorder.

As we have mentioned above, it is mostly social anxiety. So, many are curious to understand how they can combat this.

Most parents who have children suffer from anxiety. As a result, they often ask these questions, and we have managed to get some answers from experts.

1. How Do I Recognize Autism In My Child Who Is Suffering From Autism?

There are certain ways in which a professional can diagnose the presence of anxious behavior in autism. However, being a parent, it is understandable why you wish to know it beforehand.

The best thing you can do is sit with them and talk about their day. Ask them about what they have done all day, and try to recognize their reaction on each account. The way they talk about their friends, their social circle.

Is There something triggering them?

This is how you know whether your child is anxious.

2. What Is The Most Common Symptom Of Anxiety When It Comes To ASD?

The two most common symptoms of anxiety that your child will be facing when it comes to Autism Spectrum Disorder is definitely when they are unable to talk or interact with their peers; the child cannot leave their parents’ side.

Both are symptoms of social and separation anxiety.

Combating Anxiety!

There is no particular treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder. However, anxiety is still something treatable.

Therefore, you should pay attention to the symptoms and ensure that the mental health issues in your child with ASD are kept in check.

Take professional help whenever needed!

 

You May Also Like