Distinct Anxiety Overview

Did you know there's a type of anxiety specific to autism that isn't explained by any of the existing anxiety disorders currently outlined in the DSM?

Researchers have identified this autism-specific anxiety as distinct from other anxiety disorders because it's specifically tied to autistic traits.

In the 2022 published study (which I'll cite below) this anxiety was referred to as "autism distinct anxiety" or "distinct anxiety" for short.

Here are some examples of how it can show up...

- Anxiety tied to unexpected plan changes, changes in routine, or changes to the environment...

- Anxiety tied to special interests (not being able to talk about them or access them for some reason)

- Anxiety related to sensory sensitivities (not having access to safe foods or clothing items... or knowing an environment will cause sensory overload and being anxious to go there)

- Anxiety tied to autistic stims (not being able to access stimming activities that are typically done for self-regulation and comfort)

- Anxiety tied to others misunderstanding intention or meaning (which is why so many of us often "over-explain")

And...

- Anxiety in social situations that's not due to the social aspects of the situation (which would be associated with social anxiety disorder). 

With distinct anxiety, it could be due to a disruption in routine or the environment causing sensory overload, for example 

This is NOT an exhaustive list by any means... but hopefully it clarifies what makes certain anxiety autism-specific rather than associated with other anxiety disorders. 

Research citations:

1. Traditional and Atypical Presentations of Anxiety in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Connor Morrow Kerns et al. J Autism Dev Disord. 2014

2. Association of Amygdala Development With Different Forms of Anxiety in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Derek Sayre Andrews et al. Biol Psychiatry. 2022