With the rise of conversations about neurodiversity, many people wonder: Is anxiety neurodivergent? The short answer is no; anxiety itself isn’t classified as neurodivergent.

However, the relationship between anxiety and neurodivergence is complex, as many AuDHD people experience anxiety more intensely than neurotypical people.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences and connections between anxiety and neurodivergence, why anxiety is common among neurodivergent individuals, and how to manage it effectively.

What Is Neurodivergent?

Neurodiversity means differences in the brain that affect how people think, act, and process information. [1] It is a broad term that includes conditions such as:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Dyslexia and Dyspraxia
• Sensory Processing Disorders

Important to say, neurodivergence is not an illness—it’s simply a different way of experiencing and interacting with the world. Ready to know more about whether you are neurodivergent? You need to take the test and Get More Here!! information about yourself with a real score about your neurodivergence level. Self-awareness is the first step to having a richer and more fulfilling life.

While neurodiverse individuals possess unique strengths, they may also encounter difficulties in environments designed for neurotypical individuals.

How Anxiety Differs from Neurodivergence

Anxiety, on the other hand, is a mental health condition rather than a neurodevelopmental difference. It can develop at any point in life due to genetics, trauma, stress, or environmental factors. [2]

While neurodivergent conditions are typically lifelong and present from childhood, anxiety can fluctuate in response to external circumstances or life events. While someone with an anxiety disorder might struggle with social interactions, sensory overload, or executive function, these difficulties alone don’t make them neurodivergent.

The Connection Between Anxiety and Neurodivergence

Although anxiety isn’t considered neurodivergent, there’s a strong connection between the two. Many neurodiverse people experience higher levels of anxiety due to the unique challenges they face in a world built for neurotypical ones.

• Sensory Overload: People with autism or sensory processing differences may feel overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or crowded spaces, leading to heightened anxiety.
• Masking and Burnout: Some neurodivergent people use “masking”. It’s happening to suppress their natural behaviors to save their friendship, which you can read more about in this article. This can be mentally exhausting and contribute to chronic anxiety.
• Executive Dysfunction: Anxieties and stress over daily obligations or deadlines are common symptoms of executive dysfunction, which affects many people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Social Challenges: Many neurodivergent people struggle with social cues, expectations, and interactions, which can make social situations anxiety-inducing.

Can Anxiety Mimic Neurodivergent Traits?

Yes, in some cases, chronic anxiety can mimic behaviors commonly seen in neurodivergent individuals. As an illustration:

• A person with social anxiety might avoid eye contact or struggle with conversations, which can sometimes resemble autistic traits
• Some symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), such as racing thoughts and trouble focusing, are similar to those of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to sensory sensitivity, making certain environments overwhelming.

This overlap is why anxiety is sometimes mistaken for neurodivergence, but the key difference is that anxiety is typically treatable with therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, whereas neurodivergence is a lifelong neurological trait.

How to Differentiate Between Anxiety and Neurodivergence

Since anxiety and neurodivergence often overlap, how can you tell the difference? A professional diagnosis from a psychologist or psychiatrist is the best way to gain clarity, but here are some key distinctions:

1. When Did the Symptoms Begin?

• Neurodivergent traits are present from childhood and remain relatively consistent throughout life.
• Anxiety can develop at any stage of life, often triggered by stress, trauma, or major life changes.

2. Is There a Clear Trigger?

• Anxiety often has identifiable triggers, such as social interactions, deadlines, or stressful environments.
• People with neurodiversity naturally think and process information in different ways, so they do not have to be triggered to show these traits.

3. Do Coping Mechanisms Work?

• Anxiety symptoms may improve with therapy, medication, or mindfulness techniques.
• Neurodivergence isn’t something to “cure” or treat in the same way—it’s about finding strategies that align with a person’s needs rather than eliminating traits.

How To Manage Anxiety in Neurodivergent

Here are some practical strategies:

• Therapy and Professional Support

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective approaches for treating anxiety. Through it, people are able to learn more effective ways to deal with stressful situations.

• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Another way to deal with anxiety is to practice mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing. These techniques promote focusing on the present moment instead of allowing worries about the future to consume you.

• Routine and Structure

For neurodivergent people, who benefit greatly from predictability, a regular, structured routine can be a great anxiety reliever. Creating schedules, using planners, or setting reminders can make daily tasks feel more manageable.

• Sensory Regulation Strategies

A few things that can help people with sensory sensitivity find comfort and control their emotions are fidget toys, weighted blankets, or headphones that block out background noise.

• Medication When Necessary

In some cases, medication such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) can help manage severe anxiety. Consulting with a psychiatrist can determine if this is a suitable option.

Reminder: If you suspect you have neurodivergent traits, seeking an evaluation from a specialist in autism, ADHD, or other conditions can provide clarity.

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com