A specialist occupational therapist has shared the three ways in which anxiety can present in people with autism. Conor McDonagh, owner and director of Caerus Therapies, frequently offers advice on his TikTok account, covering topics from sensory processing issues to supporting an autistic child.
In one video, he outlined the most common ways he has seen anxiety manifest in autistic people. In the clip, he said: “There are several different ways that anxiety can present or look like in an autistic child. My name is Conor McDonagh from Caerus Therapies. We've developed The Caerus Method; it’s a course that teaches you how to support an autistic child."
According to Conor, there are three ways anxiety presents in autistic children - fight, flight, or freeze. He said: “So when an autistic child experiences anxiety, it's ultimately the result of difficulties with processing information in the reticular formation, which is otherwise known as the fight-flight response.
“Flight looks like a person that gets away from the situation, so they run or flee from it. So they may go to a different room or just simply avoid the things that are bothering them.
According to the National Autistic Society, even though it is not part of the autism diagnostic criteria, many autistic people experience high levels of anxiety. Research varies but the consensus suggests that it might be common for around 40-50% of autistic people to receive a clinical diagnosis of anxiety.
“And the freeze response looks like a person who ultimately kind of shuts down. So, they have difficulties with communicating their thoughts so they can internalise these issues. They go quiet and they find it very difficult to function in these circumstances.”
Difficult social situations and sensory environments can increase stress and increase anxiety for autistic people. They added: "Another significant cause of anxiety is a sense of being misunderstood and/or not accepted by non-autistic people. To ‘fit in’ and not be seen as different, autistic people might mask or camouflage. This can increase anxiety and have a negative effect on their mental health."
Other reasons that autistic people may experience anxiety include:
- a change to routine, particularly an unexpected change
- difficulty identifying, understanding and managing emotions (also known as alexithymia).
Experiencing such high levels of anxiety can lead to exhaustion and meltdowns. It may also lead to autistic fatigue and burnout. This can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, such as their physical and mental health, work/school and social life.
Personal Experience: How Anxiety Can Be Different for Everyone
Anxiety doesn’t present itself in the same way for everyone. It’s like a fingerprint, unique to each person. For some, it might manifest as a constant stream of worries, clouding the ability to focus on the present moment. These worries can become overwhelming, making it hard to think about anything else. Others might experience social anxiety, where social interactions trigger a wave of nervousness. This could include sweating, a racing heart, and a strong desire to escape from the situation. For certain individuals, anxiety could give rise to a perfectionist mindset, causing them to delay starting tasks until conditions are “perfect.” This behavior might prevent them from taking on new challenges due to a fear of not meeting their own high standards.
Furthermore, anxiety can lead to health-related obsessions, causing individuals to worry excessively about their well-being. This might involve constant checking for signs of illness or analyzing physical sensations, even when there’s no concrete reason for concern. Additionally, anxiety has a way of making the future seem daunting. It can generate a continuous loop of worrying about what might go wrong, making individuals feel apprehensive about what lies ahead.
Distinguishing Between Physical Symptoms: Real vs. Anxiety-Induced
Identifying the source of physical symptoms can be challenging, especially when anxiety first enters the picture. If you’re unsure about the origin of your symptoms, you should always seek guidance from a medical professional first to rule out any physical conditions first. If you’re experiencing any concerning or extreme symptoms visit your local emergency room.
If you think your conditions are being triggered by anxiety, it’s a good idea to keep track of the following factors:
Persistence and Duration:
Real physical symptoms often persist over time or worsen if left untreated. If a symptom appears and disappears quickly, it might be more likely related to anxiety. However, if it lingers or worsens, it’s wise to seek medical advice.
Context and Triggers:
Pay attention to when symptoms arise. If they appear during stressful situations, social interactions, or when you’re feeling anxious, they might be anxiety-induced. On the other hand, symptoms that occur independently of such triggers may be more likely to have a physical origin.
Variability:
Anxiety-related symptoms can be inconsistent and change rapidly, while genuine physical issues tend to follow a more stable pattern. If symptoms seem to shift frequently, it could be a sign of anxiety involvement.
Response to Relaxation Techniques:
Engage in relaxation techniques when you experience symptoms. If the symptoms ease or disappear, anxiety might be contributing. If they persist regardless of relaxation efforts, seeking medical advice is advisable.
When in doubt, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial. A medical professional can conduct examinations, tests, and assessments to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. They can provide accurate guidance and rule out any serious physical issues. If your symptoms are related to mental health, a licensed Focus therapist can also help support you through anxiety and help you recover from your symptoms faster.
Recording Patterns:
Keep a journal of when symptoms occur, their intensity, and any accompanying emotions. Over time, patterns may emerge that could help identify whether anxiety plays a role.
Remember that both physical symptoms and anxiety are valid experiences. It’s essential to approach these concerns with openness and without self-judgment.
Understanding how anxiety shows up in your life is the first step to managing it. It’s like studying the puzzle pieces to find the best way to put them together. One effective approach is keeping a journal to document your thoughts and feelings during anxious moments. This can help you recognize patterns and triggers, offering insights into your unique experiences. If anxiety significantly impacts your daily life, seeking support is crucial. Talking to a mental health professional, such as a licensed therapist at Focus, can provide you with strategies and tools to better cope with anxiety. Get easily matched to the right therapist for you with our 2-minute matching tool.
Moreover, practicing relaxation techniques and deep breathing can be immensely helpful. These methods can serve as a lifeline during moments of heightened anxiety, helping to soothe the mind and restore a sense of calm. Just like learning a new skill, coping with anxiety takes time and practice. By being patient with yourself and embracing a learning mindset, you can gradually develop the ability to navigate the challenges that anxiety brings. If you want to learn more about relaxation techniques and what could work for you, talk to one of our expert therapists who can create a custom plan for you to manage your anxiety.
Anxiety is a shared human experience, yet it’s also deeply personal. By understanding the diverse ways anxiety can manifest and impact lives, we create empathy for both ourselves and others. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Through learning, seeking help when needed, and extending compassion to yourself, you can navigate anxiety with resilience and find greater peace in your life.
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