7 signs you might have distinct anxiety...
7 signs you might have distinct anxiety…
The type of anxiety specific to autism that can’t be explained by any of the existing anxiety disorders currently outlined in the DSM.
1. If you get anxiety when you aren't able to talk about your special interests
For me, this happens anytime I'm bursting to infodump on my husband but also know he'd be completely overwhelmed by it (especially after he's had a mentally draining day). So I have to make a concerted effort to not infodump on him, but inside I'm EXPLODING with anxiety.
2. If you get anxiety when you can’t access your safe foods, clothes, or products
Like when the recipe of your safe foods or meals suddenly change. Or items you rely on daily are suddenly discontinued.
I've been known to panic search eBay when this happens. There are certain products I've been buying from eBay for years and I literally dread the day I can't find them there anymore
3. If you get anxiety when you can't stim
My stims aren't that visible (because I've trained myself to minimize them to avoid judgment and ridicule ). But some of them are... like biting and chewing my lips.
And since I'm on video calls 90% of my workday, I either force myself to not do it, or do it anyway and feel SUPER self-conscious about it. Either way... anxiety.
And don't get me started on those thumbnail screenshots from calls that ALWAYS seem to catch me mid stim. If you know, you know.
4. If you get anxiety when there are unexpected plan changes or changes to your routines
This one is constant for me.
No matter how carefully I plan ahead, things are always going awry. Weather changes impacting plans, other people's plans changing, my kids getting sick, me getting sick... anytime a plan is disrupted... you guessed it... MASSIVE anxiety.
5. If you get anxiety when people misunderstand you
I'm constantly interacting with people who have different communication styles... and believe it or not, this includes other autistic people.
Just the thought of being misunderstood gives me a boatload of anxiety.
6. If you get anxiety knowing that somewhere you need to be will cause extreme sensory discomfort
Some examples for me are big events or unpredictable environments, like weddings or work functions.
Not knowing the setup, or if I'll be able to get my very specific autistic needs met is usually enough to give me INTENSE anticipatory anxiety.
And along similar lines...
7. If you get anxiety in social situations because you don't know how you're supposed to act in those situations
Example...
One year I was at a work event and ended up standing right next to the CEO. I knew I should say something and make conversation but I had NO idea what to say. So I just stood there in complete awkward silence... and was wracked with anxiety the entire time.
Ok, so those are 7 signs you might have distinct anxiety.
Next, I’ll talk about what you can do when your distinct anxiety is triggered. ❤️