The Autism College Connection

Autism doesn’t travel alone. It is often joined on the disability bus with other medical and mental health conditions. Managing these concerns is essential before we launch our kids into adulthood, and for them to be successful on a college campus. Almost every teen and young adult should be in therapy to receive help for large and small problems. Medication may also be necessary. 

Mental Health 

Anxiety and depression are the most prevalent co-existing conditions that accompany autism. Around half of all people with autism suffer from an anxiety disorder. It’s difficult to know if anxiety is a separate condition from autism or if it is caused by autism. For example, after a lifetime of pain and discomfort from negative sensations, it’s quite rational for autistic people to feel anxious about the possibility of unexpected triggers. 

My son always keeps earplugs in his backpack, just in case he should be suddenly caught up in a situation with a loud marching band. Yes, an unexpected marching band is an unlikely scenario, but it’s one that my son worries about. 

The fear of deviating from their beloved schedules can also cause anxiety. Without the ability to make chitchat or good eye contact, many autistic people fear being thrust into parties and other social events. Taking an autistic person away from their strong interests and forcing them to engage in less preferable activities is stressful. With all these triggers, anxiety seems baked into the autism diagnosis. 

Stress can be shown in various ways. Some autistic people’s anxieties take an extreme form. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) results in compulsive thoughts and behaviors. About 5 to 32 percent of autistic children and teens suffer from OCD. Other forms of anxiety disorders include phobias and general anxiety disorder. 

A close cousin of anxiety is depression. About 40 percent of autistic adults have depression.  Some autistic people are depressed because of social isolation or bullying. Others are depressed about their anxiety and other autistic symptoms. Some are bored by the lack of employment.  In fact, suicide is a leading cause of death for adults with autism, especially among those without an intellectual disability. 

Six percent of adults with autism have schizophrenia, which can be serious enough for institutionalization. Parents of autistic teens and young adults should seek immediate treatment for their loved ones, who begins to experience hallucinations or hear voices. Medication is often needed. 

Medical Issues

Many autistic people also battle serious medical issues. Nearly a third of people with autism also have epilepsy, which results in seizures that range from nearly invisible to life-threatening. Epilepsy does not have to end dreams of college and independence. Many successful people in this country have epilepsy. However, it is essential to manage the symptoms with medication and diet. 

For some, it may never be possible to drive a car, even with the proper treatments. That reality means that housing and colleges should have access to bus and train services. It may be best to be located in a downtown or urban setting. The individual may need to take an Uber to get to work. All issues that can be overcome with good planning. 

Outside of epilepsy, there are fewer medical issues for people with autism. There is a slightly higher rate of cancer among people with autism, which may require treatment with medical professionals. This requires proximity to doctors and ongoing family support. 

Medication

These mental health and medical issues may be treated with medication. Psychiatrists prescribe Lexapro, Prozac, fluvoxamine, or Wellbutrin for depression and anxiety. Neurologists turn to Lamictal or  Keppra to control epileptic seizures. 

For some, medication is a game-changer, instantly managing an individual’s mental and medical problems. For others, they must try several different types of medicine until they can find one that has no serious side effects and manages symptoms effectively. 

Managing medication can often be time-consuming and exhausting. Individuals may need some time before finding the treatment that works best for them. Managing medication should happen in close proximity to home and doctors, long before families consider college and independence. 

Understanding Emotions, Managing Stress with Therapy

Because mental health issues are so common among people with autism, weekly therapy appointments should be on the calendar beginning in high school. In addition to helping the individual cope with anxiety and depression, the therapist can also address other common autistic blindspots and challenges.  

One common problem that autistic people face is alexithymia, which is a difficulty in expressing and identifying emotions.  It is estimated that one in five autistic people has alexithymia. 

Therapists can help the autistic individual talk through their feelings and put names on the emotions that felt during particular situations during the week, like hopeful, jealous, angry, and excited. Identifying emotions must be taught in concrete terms.  

A good therapist will also help the autistic teen understand different kinds of friendship and explain other people’s actions. Sometimes, autistic young people need more help understanding their bodies and sexual relations. Also, a therapist provides a conversation and a relationship when there might not be friends to lean on. 

Schools cannot address these issues, so parents should seek out a good therapist for their children. Most health insurance programs will pay for those services, though it might require many phone calls to find the right person. That person may also provide support services for overwhelmed families.