Individuals with autism are challenged to communicate effectively, overcome poor motor skills, process a constant flow of sensory information and fit into a world that expects multi-tasking, organization and increasingly mature social abilities. Whether child or adult; cognitively limited or brilliant--people on the autism spectrum usually experience anxiety due to a mix of neurological issues and societal demands. Treatment may include implementing a sensory diet, medication, modified work expectations and behavioral therapies.
Sensory Diets
A "sensory diet" involves providing the type of activities that meet an individual's sensory needs throughout the day. Children with autism often crave fast movement experiences, such as swinging, and deep pressure activities, such as crashing into mountains of pillows or wrestling. Incorporating these types of sensory activities into the day helps decrease anxiety in students with autism. In addition, aerobic exercise, such as jogging or performing jumping jacks, releases chemicals called endorphins that also decrease anxiety. Adults can create their own sensory diet with their favorite aerobic sport and weight lifting or "heavy muscle" tasks, such as shoveling snow, stacking wood or hoeing a garden.
Medications
Individuals with autism may develop depression or an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as well as generalized anxiety. Antidepressant medications may be helpful to address depression, which in turn will reduce stress and anxiety. Anti-anxiety medications such as Prozac may reduce symptoms of OCD and improve mood. Many individuals with autism also find that Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) medications such as Adderall may reduce anxiety.
Modifying Work Expectations
Individuals with autism often excel in areas where they can maintain incredible focus. On the other hand, many struggle when it becomes necessary to multi-task. Unfortunately, the middle school years are often the most stressful for students who struggle with transitions between numerous class subjects that require high degrees of planning and organization. Special education plans may need to reduce anxiety levels with organization assistance, reducing work loads, extending deadlines and other modifications. Adults may decrease anxiety by seeking out work situations that enable them to excel in their area of expertise and avoid jobs that require multi-tasking. Professional life coaches or therapists may also help clients decrease anxiety by role playing situations where the employee needs to self-advocate.
Behavioral Therapies
A variety of behavioral therapies are available to help people overcome anxiety and accompanying conditions such as eating disorders, alcoholism or depression. Children on the autism spectrum who have severe language and cognitive delays often receive what is called Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) where they are rewarded for positive behaviors such as answering a question or following directions to put pegs in a board. Inability to communicate when one is hungry or feels pain is very stressful, and therapies that promote communication decrease anxiety. High functioning teenagers and adults may also benefit from behavioral therapies that help them to be more assertive, relax, and feel positive about themselves. Techniques typically include role modeling and positive reinforcement.
References
- "Asperger's syndrome and Anxiety"; Nick Dubin; 2009.
- "Building Bridges through Sensory Integration"; Ellen Yack, Paula Aquilla & Shirley Sutton; 2004.
- "Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence"; Teresa Bolick; 2001.
