Managing and Coping With Autism

Table of Contents
View All
Table of Contents

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a term used to describe a range of types of autism, all of which may have very different presentations. Autism is strongly influenced by both environmental and genetic factors, which both combine to cause a variety of autism traits.

The development of skills to help manage the emotional, physical, and mental aspects of the disorder are helpful to both the autistic person and their caregivers.

This article discusses some of the skills that, when acquired, can help autistic people to cope more effectively with their challenges.

coping with autism
TeMika Grooms / Verywell

Emotional

Co-occurring emotional issues associated with autism spectrum disorder may include:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Self-injurious behaviors

Symptoms of these disorders may be mild, moderate, severe, or altogether absent depending on the individual. Managing these symptoms is important to adequately cope with autism traits, as each diagnosis can cause behavioral issues of their own.

It is important to understand certain emotional issues may simply be a part of a co-occurring mental health diagnosis and not the result of failing to cope with autism traits.

Insight into one's condition can still cause distress if an autistic person doesn't have the appropriate supports, coping skills, or social network to assist with managing the diagnosis. Difficulty with social skills as part of an autism diagnosis may cause further difficulties with emotional regulation.

For example, an autistic person may experience isolation and poor attachment skills as a result of impaired social interactions. These and more issues can be addressed by behavioral treatments to assist with both skill-building and management of traits and symptoms.

Treatments for behavioral issues include:

These treatments focus on visual processing skills, fine motor skills, self-regulation, self-care skills, handwriting, developmental milestones, organization, executive functioning, and social skills.

Physical

Medical issues which may accompany autism include gastrointestinal disorders, seizures, feeding issues, and insomnia. These can be managed through medication and a combination of the aforementioned treatments.

Diet

A growing number of families look toward gluten-free, casein-free, and dairy-free diets in an attempt to treat autism and improve its traits. These diets are mainly meant to address behaviors and overall emotional health of an autistic person.

Some also make claims that the diet improves some of the medical issues an autistic person experiences. For autism traits, there's minimal scientific evidence showing special diets offer benefits.


As with all treatments suggested for autism, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before implementing anything. Keeping a record of food habits and reactions will help inform your healthcare provider if you need to investigate specific allergies or food sensitivities.

Social

Social support is incredibly important for both the autistic person and their caregivers. There are many places to turn for support, and organizations to assist the entire family.

Support Groups

Support groups such as local chapters or affiliates of the Autism Society, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), and AutismUp can provide sound resources along with emotional support from others experiencing similar courses of autism. Those interested in advocacy efforts can seek opportunities through ASAN, which looks for individuals who may seek volunteer roles.

Following online autism communities and social media pages of organizations like the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN), can assist with tips, resources, and additional advocacy efforts. All of these are great mediums to handle the stress and varying trials which may make a diagnosis of autism difficult. Caregiver support groups can also prove helpful for those parents or family members who assist in caring for an autistic loved one.

Health Education

Health education and promotion is also a key factor in ensuring each autistic person receives evidence-based care along with well-rounded support. There are many and varied resources available to support autistic people along with their caregivers and loved ones.

The large number of resources is positive; however, everyone should be cautioned to find and follow reliable and credible resources for disease management. When in doubt, seek counsel from any medical professional for evidence-based resources to successfully assist with managing autism and its associated conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What common triggers can upset an autistic person?

    Each autistic person is different. Common triggers include changes in routines, physical pain or discomfort, entering a new setting (such as arriving at school), and communication difficulties. This may lead to overwhelm, which can be followed by loss of control over behavior (often called a “meltdown”).

  • What can help prevent overwhelm in autistic people?

    First, know the warning signs and triggers of the person you’re caring for. Then, take steps to prepare for triggers or other challenging situations. For example, use a headset to play soothing music if you have to go to a crowded place. You can also rehearse ways to manage issues such as anxiety in advance.

  • How can you help an autistic person to calm down quickly?

    Create a calm environment by removing distractions, clutter, and loud noise. Relaxation techniques—such as counting to 10, deep breathing, or exercise—can also help calm an autistic person in a moment of stress. Also consider using calming apps to help control anxiety and other powerful emotions.

6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Romero M, Aguilar JM, Del-rey-mejías Á, et al. Psychiatric comorbidities in autism spectrum disorder: A comparative study between DSM-IV-TR and DSM-5 diagnosis. Int J Clin Health Psychol. 2016;16(3):266-275. doi:10.1016/j.ijchp.2016.03.001

  2. Guan J, Cai JJ, Ji G, Sham PC. Commonality in dysregulated expression of gene sets in cortical brains of individuals with autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Transl Psychiatry. 2019;9(1):152. doi:10.1038/s41398-019-0488-4

  3. Mckenzie R, Dallos R. Autism and attachment difficulties: Overlap of symptoms, implications and innovative solutions. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2017;22(4):632-648. doi:10.1177/1359104517707323

  4. Relimpio lópez MI, Espejo arjona F, Garrido hermosilla AM, Laborda guirao T, Gómez escobar AJ, Rodríguez de la rúa franch E. Surgical Approaches for Vitreomacular Tractions. Ophthalmologica. 2016;235(1):62. doi:10.1159/000363562

  5. Sathe N, Andrews JC, Mcpheeters ML, Warren ZE. Nutritional and Dietary Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics. 2017;139(6) doi:10.1542/peds.2017-0346

  6. National Autistic Society. Meltdowns—A Guide for All Audiences. August 14, 2020.

Additional Reading
brittany ferri

By Brittany Ferri
Brittany Ferri, MS, OTR-L, CCTP, is an occupational therapist, consultant, and author specializing in psychosocial rehab.