Understanding Your Teen's Challenges, Anxiety and ASD
For many teens, anxiety alone can be an uphill battle, but when paired with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis, the challenges multiply. ASD, a neurodevelopmental condition, impacts how individuals communicate, interact socially, and process their surroundings. This often shapes how anxiety is experienced and managed in ways that differ from the neurotypical population.
Given that ASD individuals “Experience socio-communication impairments, including experience socio-communication impairments, a deficit in social competence, it’s stands to reason that they would feel anxious in most social settings (Montaser et al., 2023. In fact, research highlights that nearly 50% of individuals with Autism also struggle with severe social anxiety, compared to just 7-13% in the general population (Montaser et al., 2023). For teens facing social anxiety, the fear of judgment can push them to avoid social situations entirely. For those with Autism, additional challenges such as difficulty interpreting social cues or sensory overload make these experiences even more overwhelming.
A Unique Approach to Treatment
One of the biggest hurdles for teens with both ASD and anxiety is their difficulty in recognizing or expressing emotions (Anderson et al., 2024). This can make symptoms harder to detect and treat effectively. Moreover, traditional anxiety therapies aren’t always effective for individuals with Autism, highlighting the need for a more tailored and flexible approach.
Teens thrive when their treatment is built around their strengths and individuality. A compassionate and skilled provider who fosters trust and connection lays the groundwork for meaningful progress. By exploring the teen’s natural interests and abilities, providers can identify their unique needs and history, creating customized treatment goals that build confidence and skills.
Accommodations like sensory breaks, environmental changes, and real-time mentorship are vital in fostering independence and minimizing anxiety triggers (Laugeson, 2013). Additionally, speech and language therapy, offered one-on-one or in groups, can help teens better express themselves and navigate social interactions more comfortably (Araujo et al., 2022).
Building a Supportive Community
Teens with ASD and anxiety benefit immensely from being part of a compassionate, affirming community. In safe, understanding environments, they can practice new skills through group, individual, and family therapy sessions. Real-time guidance from mentors and supportive peers helps build resilience, self-advocacy, and self-compassion.
Hope for the Future
Using evidence-based and affirming practices, teens with ASD can move beyond debilitating anxiety to rediscover their strengths and confidence (Kester et al., 2018; White et al., 2010). While managing the intersection of ASD and anxiety can feel overwhelming, the right support system empowers teens to embrace life’s opportunities and take meaningful steps forward.
With understanding, care, and the right interventions, teens can thrive in ways they may not have thought possible. There is always hope for growth and healing, even in the face of such unique challenges.
If your child has a autism diagnosis and is struggling with anxiety, please reach out at jennifer@teamcrossbridge.com to learn options for best supporting them.
References:
Anderson, C., Wood, C.I., Franklin, L. et al. “Getting Autism”: Educators, Parents, and Autistic Adults and Teens Reflect on the Importance of Teachers Who Understand. J Autism Dev Disord (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06353-y
Araujo, M., Mophosho, M., & Moonsamy, S. (2022). Communication strategies used by adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and health professionals during treatment. African Journal of Disability, 11, 811.
Kester, K, Lucyshyn,, JM, Cognitive behavior therapy to treat anxiety among children with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review, Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Volume 52, 2018, Pages 37-50,ISSN 1750-9467, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2018.05.002.
Laugeson, E. A. (2013). The PEERS curriculum for school-based professionals: Social skills training for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Routledge.
Montaser J, Umeano L, Pujari HP, et al. Correlations Between the Development of Social Anxiety and Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2023 Sep 7;15(9):e44841. doi: 10.7759/cureus.44841. PMCID: PMC10559833.
Test, D. W., Smith, L. E., & Carter, E. W. (2014). Equipping youth with autism spectrum disorders for adulthood: Promoting rigor, relevance, and relationships. Remedial and Special Education, 35(2), 80-90.
White, S.W., Albano, A.M., Johnson, C.R. et al. Development of a Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention Program to Treat Anxiety and Social Deficits in Teens with High-Functioning Autism. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 13, 77–90 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-009-0062-3