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Autistic Depression

11.28.2008 · Posted in Home and Garden Articles

Being autistic means that you have many challenges in dealing with every aspect of your life. It is very difficult to convey your thoughts and feelings to other people, and you are often dealing with so much sensory input that you can feel cut off from the rest of the world. So it is really not very surprising that so many people with autism also suffer from anxiety or depression as well.nn With all of the other issues that are involved with autism, depression and anxiety often go unnoticed. This is often because the autistic person is not capable of expressing his emotions adequately. Depression is a complex emotional disorder that affects millions of people. Even people with the best communication skills have difficulty explaining and understanding their depression. A person with autism has extreme difficulty explaining and understanding his depression and anxiety.nn Identifying an anxiety disorder in an autistic person is extremely difficult, as many who have autism suffer from some level of anxiety on a regular basis. For example, anything that is outside of their normal routine will normally make them anxious. Since people with autism rely on routine to keep them in familiar territory, anything that takes them away from this will cause anxiety, but does not indicate the presence or an anxiety disorder.nn An autistic person will likely feel cut off from everyone else, which is why they are often thought to be suffering from depression, however this condition as well as anxiety disorders are very difficult to diagnose and treat. Unlike a person with full ability to communicate, and autistic person is unable to tell you if they are feeling better.nn Many choose to treat depression and anxiety in autism with medication. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are often used in autistic cases even when the autistic person has not been diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Doctors have found that the antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications help autistic people stay on task and decrease stereotyped movements often associated with autistic disorder. nn I have worked with one autistic girl for several years. As she got older, she demonstrated some signs of depression and anxiety. Her parents consulted with her doctor who prescribed an antidepressant medication. I added some light therapy and some sensory integration activities into her therapy routine. We also introduced emotions into her program. Her depression and anxiety have lessened and she is functioning very well on the medication. Her attention to tasks has also improved greatly.nn Anyone who is concerned that their ward may be suffering from anxiety or depression should consult a health practitioner. With medication and therapy you may find that they are more focused, happier and less anxious with their daily tasks.

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