Understanding Anxiety in Young Autistic Adults

Anxiety is a common experience for many young people, but for autistic individuals, it can manifest in unique and more intense ways. Understanding how anxiety works in autistic minds is essential for offering practical support and creating a more inclusive environment. Here, we’ll explore what anxiety might look like for young autistic people and provide valuable strategies for managing it.

Why Anxiety Affects Autistic Individuals Differently

For many autistic individuals, anxiety can be triggered by sensory overload, changes in routine, social expectations, or the unpredictability of everyday life. Since the brain processes information differently in autism, these triggers can feel overwhelming or inescapable. Something as simple as a crowded room, an unexpected event, or a loud sound can cause distress.

Anxiety is often linked with the need for predictability and control. For young autistic individuals, the world may feel unpredictable, and this can heighten feelings of unease. As they navigate environments that aren’t always designed with their needs in mind, anxiety becomes a natural response to the stressors they face.

Common Signs of Anxiety in Autistic Young People

Anxiety in autistic young people doesn’t always look the same as it does in non-autistic individuals. Some common signs to watch for include:

Increased meltdowns or shutdowns: Emotional overload may result in sudden emotional outbursts or withdrawal.

Rigid thinking or routines: The need for control can intensify, with a firm reliance on specific routines or rituals.

Avoidance: Anxiety might manifest as avoidance of social situations, school, or other environments where the young person feels vulnerable.

Physical symptoms: Headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue are often physical expressions of anxiety.

Recognising these signs early is crucial for intervening before the anxiety escalates.

Strategies for Managing Anxiety

Supporting a young autistic person’s anxiety begins with understanding and adapting to their specific needs. Here are a few strategies that may help:

Create Predictability: Consistent routines provide a sense of control. Where possible, keep changes minimal or give plenty of notice when inevitable.

Use Visual Supports: Autistic youth often respond well to visual schedules or cues that help them anticipate what’s coming next. This reduces uncertainty and can prevent anxiety from building.

Sensory-Friendly Environments: Overstimulating environments can worsen anxiety. Consider quieter spaces or tools like noise-cancelling headphones and dim lighting when needed.

Teach Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or even sensory-based activities (such as using a fidget toy) can help an autistic individual calm their anxiety.

Encourage Open Communication: Building a safe space for young people to express their feelings and worries is essential. However, since communication can be challenging, alternative methods like drawing, writing, or technology may be required.

Social Support: Peer or mentor groups designed for neurodivergent youth can offer a safe space where the individual feels understood. Building friendships with others who share similar experiences helps reduce isolation and the anxiety that can come with it.

Seeking Professional Help

While strategies at home or in school can be highly effective, sometimes professional support is needed. Therapy with a professional familiar with neurodiversity, such as a neurodiversity-affirming counsellor, can help young autistic individuals develop tools to cope with their anxiety. Understanding and managing anxiety in young autistic individuals requires a compassionate and tailored approach. By recognising their triggers and offering the right tools, we can help these young people navigate anxiety with greater confidence and resilience. It's essential to remember that each autistic person is unique, and what works for one may not work for another—flexibility and patience are key. Providing a supportive environment, we help reduce their anxiety and create spaces where they can thrive.