I'd like to start a discussion about the autistic anxiety which plagues so many of us. Do people have any insights to share?

Personally, I find focusing on nature helps - a bit - but I can't be doing with CBT or mindfulness (I'd just start ruminating in the silence, and I can't bear listening to my breathing or feeling my heartbeat).

There's some recent research on the role of the amygdala in autistic anxiety with studies showing it's enlarged/overactive in autistics, but little useful in terms of therapy yet.

And there's even more recent research suggesting that an overactive sympathetic nervous system combined with poor interoception may be a cause. A therapy called ADIE has been through a successful clinical trial, and I'm currently trying to find out more details from the researchers as to whether there's as yet any practical advice or therapy that one can access. Will keep people posted on anything I find out if they're interested.

@Finch I have learned that the key for me is getting my hands into the earth. Briefly will do but it seems that gardening connection with nature is crucial for me. It’s so wet and rainy where I am that it becomes an issue from about now until spring.