Autistic Anxiety aka Distinct Anxiety

Ok, so let's talk about the type of anxiety specific to autism that doesn't align with any of the existing anxiety disorders in the DSM. It's called "Distinct anxiety" and is directly tied to autistic traits.
But first, for those who don't know me...
Hi there, I'm Nicole Filippone, autistic advocate and author. Welcome to my channel. In my videos I talk all about autism and related conditions. But more than just focusing on spreading awareness, I try really hard to tie my content to practical stragtegies and solutions.
So, I really hope you find my content practical in how you can apply what I talk about here in your daily life.
And if this ISN'T your first time on my channel, thank you for being here. I appreciate you sharing this space with me. :)
So, distinct anxiety... let's get into it.
This one's a bit long, so stick with me as I break it all down...
Intro Music
Some important notes before I start
- "Distinct anxiety" is not an official term yet, nor is it recognized as a disorder in the DSM
- It's considered "distinct" because it's distinct to autism and tied to autistic traits--usually the result of autistic needs not being met
- Research on distinct anxiety is only just beginning, though it does seem likely that more research will be conducted... hopefully on adults, as the existing study only included children. (I'll link to the study in the comments section below)
Ok, so what IS distinct anxiety exactly?
I'll start with some examples
- 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 about going 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 our intention or meaning (which is why many autistic people often over-explain--something I personally do a lot)
- 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, the anxiety could be due to a disruption in routine or the environment causing sensory overload, for example
Ok, let's talk about the science
According to research, the size of the amygdala (that's the region of the brain associated with emotion and fear) correlates with the type of anxiety an autistic person has. The research found that autistic children with distinct anxiety have smaller amygdalas than non-autistic children.
Now let's talk about the study...
- 71 autistic children and 55 non-autistic children (ages 2-12) were included in the study
- Only 31% of autistic children did not show any signs of anxiety... distinct or otherwise
- 48% (so, just about half) showed signs of distinct anxiety
Since research has not yet been conducted on adults, I'm going to make some logical hypotheses based on what I know from my own research and lived experiences...
When an autistic person's needs aren't met, this leads to increased anxiety. So, logically, if an autistic person doesn't show signs of distinct anxiety in childhood... and their needs are not met... it is extremely likely they will develop distinct anxiety over time.
Since this research study was conducted on children who have autism diagnoses, there is a good chance they have adults around them actively helping them get their needs met... or at least, trying to. So, perhaps, the 52% that don't have distinct anxiety will never develop it.
But what about all the undiagnosed adults who are only now discovering their autism? My hypothesis is that the percentage of distinct anxiety in adulthood, at least in the current generation of autistic adults, would be significantly higher.
Now, some of you might be wondering why any of this matters. Well, anxiety can only be effectively addressed if the underlying causes are understood.
Most autistic people struggle with multiple types of anxiety... so parsing this one out can be EXTREMELY helpful. I say this from personal experience.
Ok, so that's it for this video. I hope you found it helpful... and if you did, give it a like and comment below. Let me know what you think. And if you want to see more videos like it, subscribe to the channel... and make sure you click the notification bell so you're notified when I post my next one.
Thanks for watching, and see you next time!
Bye!
Outro Music

[@MxReese]

Thank you so much. Discovering I'm autistic as an adult has been as confusing as it has been revelatory. Videos like this are so essential since nobody except us are doing anything to try to help autistic adults.

[@drufreeman5906]

You have helped me understand myself more than any therapist or psychiatrist ever could. I’ve struggled my whole life. Nobody understands me. I don’t fit it anywhere. Most days I just wish I didn’t exist because of these reasons. I’m awkward around even my closest loved ones and I’m lost. I hope I can find a way to exist. 😢

[@Amy_Yuki_Vickers]

Thank you. I definitely have distinct anxiety, and it does help to parse it out.

[@alexisscholtes1206]

Nicole, I love that you're talking about this here and on Instagram (where I found you). I'm on the spectrum as well, and I'm intensely familiar with all types of anxiety. I have a hard time distinguishing between them, though, and I'm trying to find more info on distinct anxiety because I don't really understand how it's different and not just manifestations of other forms of anxiety. I've tried googling, but it looks like everything is basically based off of this one study and uses the exact same language, which isn't helping me to understand :( Do you have any other sources, or do I just need to wait until more research is done? Thank you! I appreciate your work so much.

[@PhoenixHeartCure]

I have not been diagnosed, but I have wondered if I may have autism (and/or ADHD, kinda leaning towards and at this point), and...wow do I relate to some of this...the unexpected plan changes etc. FOR SURE, I was definitely anxious about food-related stuff when going to a friend's sleepover (which I've only done once), though I don't know if that was exactly about safe foods as I am not familiar enough with that term to know if just like...anxiety around everything potentially being unfamiliar brands and cooked by people whose cooking I have never tried before, and THE MISUNDERSTANDING THING. I struggle with that one SO MUCH. SO SO SO SO SO MUCH.