Autism: How Anxiety Explains Everything

Anxiety is well accepted as a daily part of life for individuals on the autism spectrum. This presentation is delivered by an autistic person sharing both personal and professional expertise and experience. The neuro-typical... [ view full abstract ]

Anxiety is well accepted as a daily part of life for individuals on the autism spectrum. This presentation is delivered by an autistic person sharing both personal and professional expertise and experience.
The neuro-typical individual typically manages their daily life with relatively low levels of anxiety and when anxiety is experienced, it is largely presumed to be irrational, temporary and psychological in nature. This presentation argues that anxiety when accompanying autism is a rational, potentially permanent and functional response to a perceived stressor. The comparison between neuro-typical and autism spectrum experience is examined and conclusions drawn as to the root and nature of anxiety on the Autism Spectrum. The diagnostic characteristics and cognitive profile concludes that an autistic person is entirely expected to be anxious; this is not an anomaly or irrational response. Difficulties in processing non-verbal communication, abstract imaginative concepts, anticipating and predicting both people and events and sensory overload all contribute to this picture. Teaching and supporting awareness of the causal factors of anxiety for individuals on the autism spectrum themselves is a key factor in developing self-understanding, acceptance and realistic goal-setting. Cognitive-behavioural tools are discussed as a means to describe and support anxiety management from a self-help and practitioner-guided perspective. The presentation concludes that despite anxiety being a likely life-long experience for many individuals on the autism spectrum, effective understanding and management can increase ability and quality of life for the individual.