What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone feels. Anxiety helps us react the right away when we’re in danger. However, our brains sometimes think there is danger when there is none.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety is common for individuals with autism and can look very different depending on the person and the situation.

• Asking repetitive questions or being preoccupied on one subject
• Attempting to elope or wonder away
• Increase in self-stimulatory (stimming) behaviors
• Decreased abilities
• Increase in Self-Injuriious behavior
• Increased Irritability

Anxiety Exercises / Techniqes

• Deep Breathing (ASERT)
• Grounding Techniques (ASERT)
• Imagery (ASERT)
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation (ASERT)

Anxiety Resources

• Be Well, Think Well: An Overview of Anxiety (ASERT)
• Be Well, Think Well: Services and Treatment for Anxiety (ASERT)
• Recognizing Anxiety (ASERT, PDF)
• Managing Anxiety (ASERT, PDF)
• Anxiety & Autism (Monarch Center for Autism, PDF)
• Anxiety Disorders & Autism (Monarch Center for Autism, PDF)
• Anxiety & Depression Association of America
• Therapies for Anxiety (ASERT)
• Daily Strength: An active online support group for anxiety
• The Tribe online anxiety peer-to-peer support group
• Cal Poly SLO Counseling Services – Guided Meditations
• Mayo Clinic Stress Reduction Website
• Meditation Oasis
• Mindful
• The Mindful Christian
• UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center – Guided Meditations
• What Not to Say to Someone With Anxiety (and What to Say Instead) (Everyday Health)
• Bella Hadid Says She Has Morning Anxiety: What It Is and How to Manage It (Everyday Health)
• 7 Causes of Anxiety (Everyday Health)

Apps For Your Smartphone, Tablet or Computer

Books

• The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Bourne (2020)
• The Anxiety and Worry Workbook by Clark & Beck (2023)
• Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life by Hayes & Smith (2005)
• The Mindful Way Workbook by Teasdale, Williams Segal and Kabat-Zinn (2014)
• Self-Esteem by McKay and Farming (2016)
• The Mindfulness Workbook – Teach Yourself by Langley (2013)
• The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook by Davis, Robbins, Eshelman & McKay (2019)