Autistic Depression
Autistic people face many challenges every day of their lives. They have difficulty communicating. They can not process language adequately and they have many sensory issues as well. Many autistic people live in isolation even when they are surrounding by a loving family. Depression and anxiety are two major obstacles that autistic people face.
Since it is so difficult to identify depression and anxiety in an autistic person these conditions often go undiagnosed for quite some time, especially since an autistic person cannot tell you how they feel. Even those without autism have trouble explaining how they feel or identifying depression or anxiety in themselves that for an autistic person to realize that they are suffering from one of these conditions and to be able to convey those feelings to another person is not something that will happen very often.
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.
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.
What usually happens is that a family member becomes concerned about their behaviour, or worries that they may be depressed or anxious and they are then put on medication. While you wouldn’t want a perfectly healthy person to be taking anti-depressants or anti-anxiety drugs, with persons who have autism there are some other beneficial aspect of these medications, such as that they improve focus and decrease excessive movement that is common in many autistics.
Caregivers should also try to complement medical treatment with some type of therapy designed for these conditions in autistic persons, as they can also offer improvements. Light therapy is a common treatment, as increased light helps to improve receptors in the brain, helping the brain make connections more easily. Therapy can also help them to express their emotions.
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.