Autism and Anxiety: A Practical Guide for Australians

Autism and anxiety: how common is it?

Anxiety is one of several conditions that often occur alongside autism, and the figures below describe different groups.

These figures come from Raising Children Network and Amaze.

What anxiety can look like in autism spectrum conditions

Anxiety in autism spectrum conditions does not always look like worry, and a person may show distress through behaviour rather than words. These are possible signs, not a checklist.

• Strong distress when routines change, plans shift or something unexpected happens, even when the change seems small to others.
• Avoiding places, people or activities, for example crowded shops or noisy classrooms, where the person feels overwhelmed.
• Physical complaints such as stomach aches, headaches, sleep problems or restlessness, which a GP can also check for other causes.
• More repetitive behaviours or a stronger need for sameness than usual.
• Withdrawing, shutting down or becoming more upset after school, work or social events.

Keep a short diary of when distress happens and what came before it; your GP can use this to understand the pattern.

Anxiety in children with autism

Children may not have the words to say they are anxious, so adults often notice the signs first.

• Separation anxiety and autism can occur together: a child may cling, refuse school or become very upset at drop-off.
• Stranger anxiety in autism may show as hiding, silence or distress around unfamiliar people, and a clinician can help you understand the reasons.
• Some families use visual schedules and warnings before changes; your child’s therapist can help you work out what suits your child.
• Tell the school about what you notice, and share any reports from your child’s psychologist or paediatrician.

The Raising Children Network autism section has practical information for parents.

Autism and anxiety in adults

Anxiety is not only a childhood issue, and autistic adults can experience it too.

• Some autistic adults find workplaces, social events or phone calls draining.
• Adults with anxiety may also have depression; Amaze lists depression and anxiety disorders among the mental health conditions common for autistic people, so mention all your symptoms to your GP.
• Ask your GP for a longer appointment and bring notes so the discussion is not rushed.
• Consider asking for a clinician with experience in autistic adults.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Is autism distinct from anxiety?

Autism and anxiety are separate things that can overlap, which is why careful assessment matters. Some autistic traits, such as discomfort in busy places, can resemble anxiety.

• Ask the assessing clinician whether the anxiety looks linked to autism-related differences, such as change or sensory overload, or is a separate condition.
• Raising Children Network says a diagnosis gives support levels separately for social communication and for repetitive behaviour, special interests or sensory differences, and these can change over time.
• Autism and social anxiety can look alike in some situations, so a clinician needs to look at the full history rather than a single moment.
• Do not rely on online quizzes; only a qualified professional can assess this.

Autism anxiety treatment and support options

Support is different for every person, and your GP or specialist is the right person to discuss options. This guide does not recommend any particular treatment.

1. 1Talk to your GP. Describe what you or your child experience, how long it has lasted and how it affects daily life.
2. 2Ask about referrals. A GP can refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or paediatrician with autism experience.
3. 3Discuss the options. Your clinician can explain psychological, practical and medical supports and what suits you.
4. 4Involve the people around you. Share strategies with family, teachers or support workers so approaches stay consistent.
5. 5Call a helpline if you need to talk. Autism Connect on 1300 308 699 is free and open 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday (Amaze).

Related conditions and NDIS support

Anxiety may sit alongside other conditions, and clinicians look at the whole picture.

• Read about OCD and autism, autism and tics, autism and epilepsy, autism and psychosis and CPTSD and autism.
• Anxiety also occurs with ADHD; see ADHD and anxiety.
• If you meet the NDIS access requirements, supports are based on your goals and needs; see autism funding under the NDIS.
• For whether anxiety can count as a disability, see is anxiety a disability in Australia.

When to talk to a GP or specialist

• Anxiety is keeping you or your child from school, work, meals, sleep or things you enjoy.
• Distress, meltdowns or shutdowns are becoming more frequent or more intense.
• You notice low mood, loss of interest or changes in appetite alongside the anxiety.
• Strategies that used to work no longer help, or routines are getting harder to keep.
• You are unsure whether what you see is anxiety, autism or something else.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. Lifeline offers 24/7 crisis support on 13 11 14.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Your next step

If anxiety is making daily routines hard, practical support can help alongside clinical care. TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home, if you meet the NDIS access requirements. Browse our NDIS services, or make a referral and we will call you back to talk through what would suit you.