Can Aspergers be mistaken for anxiety?

The truth is that no one person on the autism spectrum is the same as another. Still, research suggests that autistic people as a whole may be more prone to anxiety. To the layperson, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and anxiety may look similar, and it may be difficult to distinguish between them.


Can Aspergers be confused with anxiety?

Social anxiety and Asperger's disorder are very different in nature and should not be confused.

Can autism be confused with anxiety?

There are many common behaviors seen in children with ASD that overlap with symptoms seen in varying anxiety disorders. For example, the obsessions and compulsions of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder may look similar to repetitive and stereotyped behaviors in children with ASD.


What is Aspergers confused with?

Asperger's is sometimes distinguished from a special category of "high-functioning" autism, chiefly on the grounds that it implies better verbal than nonverbal intelligence. But many experts doubt that this distinction reflects a real difference.

Can Asperger's be misdiagnosed?

Because the core symptoms of Asperger's are often misunderstood, it is not uncommon for children and families to receive multiple incorrect diagnoses prior to obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Although many children are diagnosed as early as age five, many are mislabeled well into their adolescent years.


Asperger's: Struggling with Anxiety and Depression



What can mimic high functioning autism?

Conditions That Mimic Autism
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) The symptoms of OCD, such as compulsive hand washing, cleaning or touching items like doorknobs, can resemble the repetitive motions of autism. ...
  • Antisocial personality disorder. ...
  • Schizophrenia. ...
  • Learning disorders. ...
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)


How do I know if I'm on the Aspergers Spectrum?

Social Symptoms

Common symptoms of Asperger's that may impact social interaction or communication include: Problems making or maintaining friendships. Isolation or minimal interaction in social situations. Poor eye contact or the tendency to stare at others.

What are subtle signs of Aspergers?

Signs and symptoms of Asperger's syndrome
  • Lack of interpersonal relationship skills and instincts.
  • Inability to express one's own feelings.
  • Often verbalizes internal thoughts that most would keep private.
  • Flat tone / speaking style that lacks pitch.
  • Appears to lack empathy.
  • Has a difficult time interacting with peers.


Am I autistic or just anxious?

People with social anxiety have an intense fear of social situations, often fearing others' judgment. People with autism often have difficulty reading social cues. Interventions can include social skills training, occupational therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

What does mild Aspergers look like?

Children with Asperger's Syndrome exhibit poor social interactions, obsessions, odd speech patterns, limited facial expressions and other peculiar mannerisms. They might engage in obsessive routines and show an unusual sensitivity to sensory stimuli.

What is the most common anxiety disorder in ASD?

A recent meta-analysis found that the prevalence of at least one anxiety disorder among children with ASD was 39.6%. Specific phobia (29.8%), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (17.4%) and social anxiety disorder (16.6%) were the most common types [1].


Does anxiety medication help autism?

Some classes of drugs commonly prescribed for treating anxiety disorders in the general population likewise help some of those on the autism spectrum. These include the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac.

What can be misdiagnosed for autism?

Before receiving an ASD diagnosis, many autistic people are misdiagnosed with a variety of conditions.
...
What is autism commonly misdiagnosed as (and vice versa)?
  • anxiety.
  • attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • mood disorders.
  • personality disorders.
  • intellectual disability.
  • psychosis.
  • personality disorder.
  • depression.


What are the symptoms of high functioning Aspergers?

High Functioning Autism Symptoms
  • Emotional Sensitivity.
  • Fixation on Particular Subjects or Ideas.
  • Linguistic Oddities.
  • Social Difficulties.
  • Problems Processing Physical Sensations.
  • Devotion to Routines.
  • Development of Repetitive or Restrictive Habits.
  • Dislike of Change.


How do you treat Asperger's anxiety?

Several types of therapy are used to improve Asperger's symptoms, including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) This type of “talk therapy” is typically used to help a person with Asperger's better regulate his or her emotions and impulses. It can also help children and adults cope with anxiety or depression.

Is social anxiety common in Aspergers?

Co-Occurring Asperger's and Social Anxiety

Research has found that it is common for children and adults diagnosed with ASD to also experience social anxiety. 9 This means that it is possible for a child to have both ASD and SAD.

How do I know if Im slightly autistic?

finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling. getting very anxious about social situations. finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on your own. seeming blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to.


How do you know if you're slightly autistic?

Common signs of autism in adults include:
  1. finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling.
  2. getting very anxious about social situations.
  3. finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on your own.
  4. seeming blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to.
  5. finding it hard to say how you feel.


Can autism be misdiagnosed as anxiety and depression?

Many autistic individuals also meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder. 3 However, prior to being identified as autistic, many are told that they have anxiety rather than autism. A strong need for routine, difficulty with abrupt or unanticipated transition, and sensory meltdowns can look like an anxiety disorder.

What does mild Asperger's look like in adults?

Adults with mild autism may come off as socially awkward. They may not understand the back-and-forth nature of conversations. One common behavior is unintentionally talking too much about yourself or your interests and not allowing the other person time to talk.


What can trigger Asperger's?

What causes Asperger's syndrome?
  • A chromosomal abnormality (such as fragile X syndrome).
  • A mother's use of prescription medicines taken during pregnancy (such as valproic acid for seizures or mood disorders, or thalidomide for anxiety).
  • Having been born to older parents.


What do adults with Aspergers struggle with?

Asperger's in adults typically causes issues with communication, emotion regulation and interpretation, social interactions, and behavior. People who have Asperger's may also experience other conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or OCD.

What is Asperger's a mild form of?

Asperger Syndrome (ASD) is a pervasive developmental disorder that is widely described as a mild form of autism. People with ASD tend to have many of the social and sensory issues of those with more severe forms of autistic disorder but have average to above average IQs and vocabularies.


What is the best medication for Asperger's?

There are no drugs specifically prescribed for ASD. Some people with Asperger's or related conditions are able to function well in life without taking any medications.
...
These medications include:
  • Antidepressants (SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
  • Anti-psychotics.
  • Drugs for attention-deficit disorder.


How do you rule out autism?

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult because there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child's developmental history and behavior to make a diagnosis. ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months of age or younger.