Anxiety disorders are prevalent in both children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but while anxiety can affect anyone, it is particularly high in autistic individuals, with estimates suggesting over 50% experience it in their lifetime. To effectively manage anxiety in ASD, a person needs to understand the underlying reasons.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Lalit Mittal, Consultant – Dept of Pediatrics at the CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, revealed some of the key factors –
According to Dr Lalit Mittal, following are the effective management strategies –
Equipping children who have ASD with coping skills and self-regulation techniques early on can significantly improve their quality of life and help them manage anxiety more effectively.
