Autism and Anxiety: Managing Co-Occurring Conditions

Autism and anxiety frequently coexist, creating unique challenges for neurodivergent individuals. Managing both conditions effectively requires understanding their interplay and adopting tailored approaches to emotional regulation, flexibility, and executive functioning.

Marcia Eckerd’s Approach to Supporting Neurodivergent Adults

Marcia Eckerd, a licensed therapist and consultant, works closely with neurodivergent adults (18 and older), including autistic teens, adults with AuADHD (autism with co-occurring ADHD), and those with nonverbal learning disability (NVLD). Her holistic and individualized approach addresses social difficulties, depression, and anxiety, as well as helping clients improve executive functioning. With her extensive experience, Marcia uses techniques such as cognitive therapy, strategic coaching, and emotional regulation to empower her clients.

Marcia’s goal is to help her clients fully appreciate their strengths and understand their concerns. As a therapist and consultant, she recognizes the uniqueness of each individual, taking time to evaluate and treat them holistically.

Understanding the Relationship Between Autism and Anxiety

Anxiety is common among autistic adults, often manifesting in overwhelming worry, social anxiety, or fears related to specific routines or changes. The rigidity in thinking and difficulty adjusting to unexpected situations can heighten anxiety levels. In addition, sensory sensitivity may lead to increased anxiety in environments that overwhelm the senses.

How Anxiety Affects Autistic Adults

Anxiety can manifest itself in a variety of ways in individuals with autism.

1. Sensory Overload: Autistic adults often experience heightened sensitivities to sounds, lights, textures, and smells. In overwhelming situations, anxiety can spike, leading to discomfort or even shutdowns.

2. Social Anxiety: The challenges of navigating social situations, such as understanding social cues or fear of judgment, can create a sense of dread or avoidance, increasing anxiety levels.

3. Fear of Change: Autistic adults often find comfort in routines. A sudden change can cause distress and anxiety as it disrupts their sense of control and predictability.

4. Perfectionism: Some autistic individuals may struggle with perfectionist tendencies, creating anxiety when things don't go as expected.

Managing Co-Occurring Autism and Anxiety: Strategies and Techniques

For autistic adults dealing with anxiety, it’s essential to adopt tools and techniques that address both conditions in an integrated way. Below are some effective strategies:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a widely used method for treating anxiety. Marcia works with clients to identify thought patterns that contribute to anxiety and teaches techniques to reframe them. We can adapt this approach for autistic adults to address the unique cognitive and sensory challenges they face. CBT can help break down rigid thinking patterns, reducing the anxiety that stems from inflexibility.

2. Emotional Regulation Techniques

Emotional regulation is often difficult for autistic individuals, particularly when dealing with anxiety. Marcia uses various techniques to help her clients better manage their emotions. Techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or grounding exercises can be particularly effective in calming anxious thoughts and managing sensory overload.

3. Executive Functioning Support 

Executive functioning challenges, such as time management and organization, can increase anxiety in daily life. Marcia works with clients to improve their ability to plan, organize, and manage tasks. Strategies like breaking tasks into smaller steps, using visual schedules, or setting reminders can ease the pressure and reduce anxiety.

4. Sensory accommodations

Managing sensory sensitivities is essential in reducing anxiety for autistic adults. Tools like noise-canceling headphones, dim lighting, and sensory-friendly environments can alleviate some of the stress that comes from overstimulation. Identifying sensory triggers and making appropriate accommodations can significantly reduce the frequency of anxiety episodes.

5. Social Skills Coaching

Anxiety often arises from social interactions, particularly when the person feels misunderstood or uncomfortable. Marcia helps clients develop social skills and coping strategies to navigate these situations with more confidence. Role-playing social scenarios, practicing self-advocacy, and learning how to express needs clearly can lessen social anxiety.

6. Routine and Predictability

Autistic adults often thrive in structured environments, and uncertainty can trigger anxiety. Marcia emphasizes the importance of creating consistent routines while also helping clients build flexibility. Introducing small, manageable changes can help clients become more comfortable with adjustments, reducing their fear of the unknown.

7. Medication Options

Sometimes doctors prescribe medication to manage anxiety symptoms. People commonly use medications like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) to treat anxiety disorders. Marcia works collaboratively with other medical professionals to ensure that any pharmacological interventions are part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Supporting Neurodivergent Women

Women on the autism spectrum often face additional challenges related to anxiety, particularly due to societal expectations. Marcia emphasizes that her work with women focuses on assisting them in accessing their strengths and comprehending the concerns they might encounter. Many autistic women experience "masking," where they suppress their autistic traits to fit in, which can lead to heightened anxiety.

Through therapy and consultation, Marcia helps women build self-awareness, embrace their neurodivergence, and develop strategies to manage both their autism and anxiety. By understanding themselves more fully, they can build resilience, reduce anxiety, and achieve a greater sense of well-being.

Marcia’s Holistic Approach

Marcia’s individualized, holistic approach means she tailors therapy to meet the unique needs of each client. No two autistic individuals experience anxiety the same way, and Marcia’s practice reflects that. Whether it’s cognitive therapy, strategic coaching, or emotional regulation, Marcia integrates a variety of tools to support her clients on their journey toward mental wellness.

As a consultant, Marcia also works with other professionals, such as educators, therapists, and healthcare providers, to create supportive environments for her clients.

Conclusion: Empowering Neurodivergent Adults to Manage Autism and Anxiety

Managing the co-occurrence of autism and anxiety requires a comprehensive, personalized approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously. Marcia Eckerd’s expertise in working with neurodivergent adults, particularly those managing autism, ADHD, and anxiety, provides a solid foundation for her clients to thrive.

By using cognitive techniques, emotional regulation strategies, and practical tools, Marcia empowers her clients to navigate anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and social challenges while embracing their strengths. Through therapy and consultation, Marcia helps her clients understand their unique needs and build resilience to improve their quality of life.