Ep. 120 Why Anxiety is So Common in Autism (And What Actually Helps)
Anxiety is incredibly common in autistic people. But what if we're asking the wrong question? Instead of asking, "How do we reduce anxiety?" maybe we should be asking, "What is this anxiety trying to tell us?"
In this episode, we'll explore why anxiety shows up so often alongside autism and why many traditional approaches miss the mark.
You'll learn:
- Why anxiety rates are significantly higher in autistic people
- The hidden role of uncertainty and unpredictability
- How sensory experiences can impact anxiety levels
- Why seemingly small things like phone calls, haircuts, and schedule changes can feel overwhelming
- The connection between masking and anxiety
- Why "pushing through" often makes things worse
- What actually helps: predictability, autonomy, sensory supports, and clear communication
- How to view anxiety through a neurodiversity-affirming lens
