Key Takeaways
- Anger is common in adults with autism.
- Autism can trigger anger for a number of reasons, like emotional dysregulation or sensory overload.
- Learning how to manage anger as an autistic adult is possible with therapy, healthy coping mechanisms, and, sometimes, medication.
We all experience anger from time to time. It’s a normal emotion that can signal that a situation isn’t acceptable, violates your boundaries, or that someone might be mistreating us.
But for adults with autism spectrum disorder, anger can be a common emotion in everyday life. Research on autism has mainly focused on children, so we know much less about autistic adults. Research indicates that autistic adults are likely to experience anger, particularly when social anxiety is present.
Can autism cause anger issues?
Autism can contribute to anger issues due to the frustration that arises from navigating a world designed for neurotypical people. This ongoing struggle can intensify feelings of anger in adults on the autism spectrum, as they often process information and experiences differently from the majority. The following may be triggers of anger in autistic adults:
- Emotional understanding and regulation: Autistic people may have a hard time grasping certain emotions and abstract concepts, leading to confusion. Emotional dysregulation can hinder their ability to control feelings, which may result in angry outbursts.
- Information processing difficulties: Autistic people may take longer to process information and follow verbal instructions, which can lead to frustration. This may be particularly true if they’re teased for not understanding quickly.
- Sensory sensitivity: Sensory overload from environmental stimuli (e.g., loud noises, bright lights, strong smells) can trigger anger or agitation in autistic individuals.
- Social challenges: Autistic adults may struggle to understand social norms and expectations, leading to misunderstandings and frustration in their interactions with others.
- Changes in routine: Many autistic people prefer routines and predictability, so sudden changes in these may trigger anger.
- Communication barriers: Difficulties in expressing thoughts, needs, or feelings can result in frustration from autistic adults.
How do people with autism express anger?
Autistic people can display anger in different ways, such as:
- Self-harming*, like hitting themselves or banging their head
- Destroying property
- Harming others
- Crying
- Shouting
- Lashing out at other people
While both autistic people and neurotypical people may exhibit similar expressions of anger, such as shouting or lashing out, the underlying reasons often differ. For autistic people, these responses may be linked to challenges in emotional regulation, sensory sensitivities, or social misunderstandings.
*The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 confidential support through trained crisis counselors. If you or someone you care about is experiencing emotional distress, self-harm, or a suicidal crisis, please call or text 988. For life-threatening emergencies or immediate assistance, call 911.
Healthy techniques for managing anger as an autistic adult
If you’re someone who’s prone to anger, it’s important to find ways to calm down to protect yourself and others. For someone who also has autism, this can be more challenging and may require professional support.
Consider these techniques to help manage your anger:
- Deep breathing: A variety of deep-breathing exercises are proven to calm your nervous system.
- Reaching out: Finding a trusted person you can go to when you’re feeling angry can allow you to process your feelings with support.
- Moving your body: When you feel angry, try moving your body in a way that feels comfortable for you. This could be as simple as taking a walk, stretching, or doing some light exercises.
- Journaling: Carrying a notebook to write down your feelings can help you process them or even identify an underlying cause for your anger.
Remember that anger is a normal emotion, and it’s important not to suppress it. Acknowledging your anger, practicing calming strategies, and seeking professional support can prevent your anger from becoming more volatile, uncontrollable, or impacting your relationships.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to treat problems with anger. This type of therapy helps you reframe your negative thoughts and behaviors and find healthy coping mechanisms for intense emotions. A CBT therapist can also help you recognize what triggers your anger and, together, you can come up with coping strategies.
The FDA has also approved two medications to treat irritability in autistic people. When considering if medication is right for you, you should always talk with a qualified healthcare provider.
Find care with Rula
Anger can be a difficult emotion to grapple with, especially as an autistic adult. But anger is normal, and there are means to manage it in healthy ways. With the right support and strategies, you can learn to navigate your emotions and find balance, leading to a more fulfilling life.
At Rula, we partner with many therapists and psychiatric providers who specialize in treating autism spectrum disorder. And thanks to our easy-to-use therapist-matching program, you can find a provider who takes your insurance in just a few clicks. Whether you need therapy or medication management (or both), we’re here to ensure that you get streamlined access to the specialized care you deserve.
