Anxiety is not just a part of being autistic, it is a mental health condition in its’ own right. People who have imbalances in GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid – a brain neurotransmitter) tend towards anxiety and panic. There are different types of anxiety; 3% of non-autistic children are affected by anxiety while 42% of autistic children are affected by anxiety.
Anxiety feelings
- anxiety or panic, with no obvious reason
- dread
- being overwhelmed, with no obvious reason
- worrying about things that you have never worried about before or that are unlikely to happen.
Anxiety body sensations
- racing heart
- being sweaty
- fast and shallow breathing
- being tense
- excitability
- nausea.
Anxiety can look like
- avoiding places, things or people
- running away / hiding
- angry outbursts, tantrums
- disorganised attention
- getting stuck in a thought process – possibly leading to meltdown
- injury to self or others
- engaging in familiar routines
- stimming (flapping, rocking etc)
(The last two behaviours can be attempts to reduce the anxiety by creating an element of control.).
Anxiety can be caused by
- sudden unplanned changes
- all different types of social situations
- the expectation of others, exam or performance pressure – sometimes these are created by the person themselves, the desire to do well, succeed, be the winner.
- person specific places or things, e.g. the beach, cottonwool or birds
- anticipation about going to specific places or being in certain situations, e.g. work, hospital, school
- sensory ‘triggers’ – specific lighting, noises, smells, textures … .
How to Help Reduce Anxiety
- keep a diary or journal – it can help to work out when, where and why anxieties are at their best and worst
- breathwork and visualisation
- mindful practice
- heavy activities and / or weighted blankets or clothing
- CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) – talking therapy
- medication
- animal therapy
- support groups
- Apps.
Over the next week or so I will explore these different ways of trying to reduce anxiety. Look out for the new posts on Facebook or the AESS website.