Alexithymia and Its Link to Autism
To be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a person must exhibit deficits in communication and social interaction as well as repetitive and/or restrictive interests or behaviors. As autism is known to span a wide spectrum, the degree to which one person with ASD exhibits some of these characteristics may differ significantly from someone else with ASD.
While there are many ways in which people on the autism spectrum face challenges in life that their neurotypical peers don’t, most have trouble relating to other people. This is due in large part to the communication challenges they face, but there are other potential factors as well.
One is alexithymia, which, among other things, is defined by not completely understanding others’ feelings.
While alexithymia and autism don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand, there is a real link between the two. Below, we’ll discuss this topic in more detail to give a better understanding.
Table Of Contents
What is Alexithymia?
First, it’s important to understand what alexithymia is.
In essence, it is a condition that causes people to have trouble identifying, processing and describing their own feelings. As mentioned, it also is characterized by not having a true understanding of how someone else might feel either.
Alexithymia may also cause someone to have trouble distinguishing between their feelings and the “emotional arousal” sensations of the body. This condition isn’t clinically diagnosed, but is rather a personality trait.
Studies have estimated that about 10% of the population suffers from alexithymia. Some research has also found that children who have alexithymia as well as problems with emotion processing often internalize their problems, which leads to anxiety and depression.
Do All People on the Autism Spectrum Have Alexithymia?
No, not every person who has autism also has alexithymia, which is why it’s not a central feature of ASD. That being said, studies have suggested that anywhere from 50% to 60% of all people who have ASD also have alexithymia1.
That’s quite a substantial portion of the population. As a result, some researchers have suggested that alexithymia is a broader phenotype of autism as well as a key component of the difficulties people on the autism spectrum have with processing emotions.
But, while people with autism suffer from alexithymia at far higher rates compared to their neurotypical peers, it’s important to note that ASD and alexithymia are two entirely separate and distinct conditions. At the same time, the fact that they overlap and are co-occurring in many people with autism may suggest that empathy deficits people on the autism spectrum have could be because of this comorbidity.
What are the Dangers of Alexithymia?
Just like some of the other symptoms of autism, alexithymia puts people in danger of developing serious mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. This is a concern for any individual, but is especially concerning for those who have ASD.
For one, people with autism might not have the same ability to identify physical symptoms related to anxiety, including experiencing an adrenaline rush or a change in their heart rate. Instead, the symptoms might be confusing to them, which could lead to them feeling increased anxiety instead of searching for support or solutions.
In addition, alexithymia could make it even more challenging for people with autism to regulate emotions.
Many people who suffer from anxiety typically are able to understand that certain worry levels are OK, such as when a person is interviewing for a job. The acceptance will help them prevent their anxiety from getting worse than it already is.
People who suffer from both alexithymia and autism might not be able to regulate this worry in the same way. That could cause them to push those feelings of worry away rather than accepting them, which in the long run could make it even worse.
Can People with Autism Benefit from Anxiety Therapies?
There are many anxiety therapies that have proven to be effective for much of the population. However, these standard therapies might not work very well for people with ASD and alexithymia.
That’s not to say that a person who has autism can’t receive treatment for anxiety. Instead, targeted and specialized therapies are usually much more effective for people on the autism spectrum, because what they are experiencing and feeling is often much more complex.
The gold standard of treatment for people with autism is called applied behavioral analysis, or ABA therapy, and it has proven effective at treating anxiety. This evidence- and science-based approach to learning and behavior seeks to address the social, communication and daily life skills with which people on the autism spectrum often struggle, thereby helping to relieve anxiety.
ABA therapists will use many strategies to do this, and help people with autism learn new skills, modify their behaviors in certain instances and ease their anxiety through repetition and positive reinforcement.
Blue Gems ABA Supports Children with Autism Who Suffer from Alexithymia
Alexithymia and autism are inextricably linked, even though they are definitely separate and distinct conditions. The two are highly correlated and comorbid in many cases, which can cause people with autism to suffer from significant anxiety.
At Blue Gems ABA, our team of BCBAs works hard every day to support children on the autism spectrum who suffer from alexithymia. We do so by administering ABA therapy on a one-to-one basis, crafting treatment plans that are specifically designed to cater to the unique strengths and challenges of each individual.
To learn more, please contact us today.
617-297-7998
617-340-3371
info@bluegemsaba.com
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