A phobia is a type of anxiety characterized by an excessive and irrational fear of a specific object or event. It can occur in both children and adults. While adults may recognize that their
fear is unrealistic, they may still struggle to control it or prevent the physical and emotional reactions when confronted with the object of their phobia.
When a person encounters an object or event that triggers intense fear, several types of responses may occur: feelings of panic, intense fear, and helplessness; trembling, sweating, dizziness, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, dry mouth, and more.
Avoidance is a key
characteristic of phobia. A person might begin to avoid places, situations, or events associated with their fear, potentially leading to significant disruptions in daily life. When it comes to children on the spectrum, anxiety may manifest indirectly through tantrums, outbursts, or unexplained defiance.
It is important for parents to respond with sensitivity and try to
understand the source of anxiety rather than unintentionally worsening the situation with anger. A psychologist skilled in autism can help identify the root causes of anxiety.
Research indicates that phobias are particularly common among individuals on the autism spectrum. Over half of those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience various anxiety disorders, including phobias. Contributing factors may include heightened sensory sensitivities and difficulties in social understanding, leading to discomfort and a strong desire to avoid contact with the source of fear. Another possible reason in some cases is the
difficulty in expressing feelings of discomfort to those around them, which intensifies and heightens sensitivity to an unbearable level.
Unusual fears were first documented seventy years ago. It was noted that children on the spectrum often exhibit extreme fear reactions to loud noises, moving objects, or everyday items such as mechanical toys, running water, vacuum cleaners, or the wind. Recent studies have found that 40% of children with autism experience unusual fears, compared to only 0–5% of
neurotypical children or children with other developmental conditions. A particularly interesting and common phobia is fear of insects and bites. It is suggested that individuals on the spectrum are especially averse to the sensation of being unexpectedly touched, as insects such as mosquitoes sometimes do.
While certain phobias, such as fear of snakes or loneliness, are common among neurotypicals, individuals on the spectrum often display less typical phobias, such as fears of thunderstorms, toilets, or ants.
One particularly challenging phobia is a fear of doctor visits, which is discussed
in another article on our website. Another significant phobia is a fear of school, often caused by social demands that are not adapted to their unique needs.
Treatment for phobias in individuals on the autism spectrum is similar to that for neurotypicals. It involves a gradual process of exposure to the feared object or event in a safe environment, advanced techniques like virtual reality therapy, and working with a qualified psychologist specializing in autism and anxiety disorders. Phobias, especially in children and adults on the autism spectrum, can significantly impact quality of life, but the good news is that effective and tailored treatments are available. Through early identification, understanding, and professional intervention, phobias can be managed effectively, improving the well-being of both children and adults.