Autism (ASD): Why Anxiety and Depression Might Occur

 

Autistic people often experience:

1.Communication Difficulties:

o    Struggling to express how they feel or understand what others mean.

o    May say things bluntly without realizing it sounds rude or upsetting.

2.Sensory Overload & Social Anxiety:

o    Feeling overwhelmed in busy, noisy places or around strangers.

o    Anxiety rises when there's too much stimulation or pressure to socialize.

3.Need for Routine and Predictability:

o    Sudden changes (like a different route or plan) can feel very distressing.

o    Not knowing what’s coming next may cause intense anxiety.

4.Misunderstandings and Social Isolation:

o    May not pick up on social cues or understand how their actions affect others.

o    This can lead to rejection, bullying, or loneliness — contributing to low mood or depression.

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✅ ADHD: Why Anxiety and Depression Might Occur

People with ADHD often face:

1.Impulsivity and Frustration:

o    Acting quickly without thinking (“jumping the gun”) can cause problems.

o    May not understand why people get annoyed or upset.

2.Trouble with Focus and Planning:

o    Difficulty staying on task, following instructions, or managing time.

o    This can lead to stress, underachievement, or criticism from others.

3.Emotional Regulation Issues:

o    Strong, fast-changing emotions — frustration, anger, or sadness.

o    Trouble calming down once upset, which can wear someone down mentally.

4.Low Self-Esteem and Rejection:

o    Being told off a lot, feeling “different,” or struggling at school/work.

o    Can lead to feeling “not good enough” and eventually depression or anxiety.

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🎯 In Summary:

Reason	Autism (ASD)	ADHD
Communication struggles	Often misunderstood; difficulty reading others' feelings	May interrupt, talk too much, or say things without thinking
Social interaction	Anxiety around people, change, unpredictability	Impulsivity and frustration when things don’t go their way
Understanding boundaries	Might not see how words/actions affect others	May not notice or remember limits or consequences
Emotional stress	Overwhelmed easily, especially in unfamiliar settings	High emotions, quick reactions, hard to calm down
Mental health impact	Anxiety from social confusion; depression from loneliness	Anxiety from failure/frustration; depression from low self-worth