Some symptoms of anxiety overlap with symptoms of autism. This can make anxiety more difficult to identify in a person with autism. A person experiencing anxiety may lose their appetite or eat more than normal. They may struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep.
The SSRIs most commonly prescribed to autistic people are fluoxetine and sertraline. Sertraline is often the top choice because its side effects are milder than those of other SSRIs and because it has fewer interactions with other drugs.
For those with autism, anxiety drugs are best used in combination with behavioral interventions. Among high-functioning individuals, they may be particularly effective when combined with cognitive behavioral therapy.
Sensory situations that may provoke anxiety can include: Crowds - school assemblies, concerts, field trips, grocery store, etc. Space - too large, too crowded, too bright, too loud, too smelly, etc. Sounds/noise.
Sensory objects and toys are perfect for soothing the early stages of a meltdown. They can help decrease sensory overload (even if that seems counterintuitive) and provide a helpful distraction for the person with autism. There are plenty of sensory toys on the market if you want something convenient.
Behavioural responses to stress can include shut down such as a flight response, or a meltdown explosion such as a fight response. Here, the student starts the day highly aroused and certain events, whether sensory experiences, changes in routine, or frustration, can create explosive responses.
When supporting somebody who is stressed, keep calm and quiet. Be a consistent, safe presence to help the person with autism feel they can begin to relax. Try to avoid showing that you are worried as this may make them feel less secure and more anxious. Give predictability and routine by writing things down.
In addition to sensory triggers, certain chemicals found in everyday household products like cleaning supplies or air fresheners can also aggravate symptoms of autism. These chemicals include phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), which have been shown to disrupt hormones and affect behavior in animal studies.
"The standard treatments for autism – speech therapy, occupational therapy, and special education – are not going to target fears and anxiety." And it's important to do so. "Anxiety can make autism symptoms worse.
A few different factors converge to explain why autistic people have an “overly full head” and disorganized thoughts, as well as why we may be scatterbrained, quick to lose oversight, and more prone to overstimulation and dysregulation. All these factors are likely caused by overconnectivity in the brain.
Mood stabilizing autism medication
Lithium, Lamictal, Depakene, Depakote, Tegretol, Topamax, Trileptal, and Keppra are options to explore with your child's pediatrician.
The most effective interventions available are behavioral therapies based on applied behavioral analysis (ABA). There are many different types of ABA to choose from based on your child's strengths and needs.
Methylphenidate may improve hyperactivity in children with ASD in the short term, although there was no evidence that methylphenidate improves or worsens ASD symptoms. Some children cannot tolerate the medication's side effects.