60 Second Science: Anxiety, the amygdala and autism

In this edition of 60 Second Science, Dr Jess Reynolds discusses a recent study which looked at anxiety in children and youth on the autism spectrum and its association with the area of the brain called the amygdala.
To access the article discussed in the video, visit: bit.ly/3UQXr3u

[@Autism101]

Thanks for putting this together Dr. Reynolds. As an autistic adult I can tell you that the anxiety never goes away, but you learn to deal with it.

[@Jewlz4ever]

How do you deal with it? What helps?

[@adrianmiles7678]

Makes sense if u also understand that the COMT gene regulates the excretion of chetacholamines. Too many chetacholamines will increase the amount of receptors disproportionately every time the amygdala is activated

[@DeeWeber]

What can we do? Supports don't work for teens.

[@Autism101]

I have never found something that gets rid of my anxiety, it is always there...only the level varies. That being said, there are some things that help to lower it a bit, like playing the piano.
Here are few things to try that some in our community have found helpful:
* Stim/fidget toys
* Weighted blankets
* CBD oil
* Playing a musical instrument - my favorite
* Exercise