When I was 11, I was introduced to caffeinated beverages, specifically Rockstar Energy Drinks and Redbulls. Whenever I had pocket money lying around, I would go out and get an abundance of these energy drinks. But recently, I noticed that consuming a lot of these beverages has caused me to have difficulties with emotional regulation. So I have been making an effort to try to reduce the amount of caffeine that I take in by limiting myself to only coffee or drinks with lower caffeine levels, such as Coke. But it got me thinking: Do other people on the autism spectrum have sensitivities to caffeine? How can neurodivergent people, including autistic people, improve their emotional regulation skills and overall health by cutting the amount of caffeine that they consume regularly?
Let’s start with what we know about what makes up an energy drink. Of course, we all know that there’s no link between autism being caused by caffeine and small amounts of caffeine are OK, so a cup of coffee every now and then or even a can of Coca-Cola shouldn’t be too bad. But where things start to be risky is with caffeinated energy drinks. The ingredients for the popular energy drink brand Celsius, include Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Ascorbic Acid, and even Glucuronolactone, whose effects haven’t been fully researched yet. By consuming these drinks, especially in larger amounts, we are becoming human guinea pigs subjected to an experiment that potentially could put our health in danger. But the facts about energy drinks and autism don’t stop there.
Based on my own experiences with energy drinks, I have found that they can make those on the spectrum extremely anxious and irritated. While one can argue that it depends on the quantity consumed and the individual, there’s no denying that there should be warnings put in place for individuals on the spectrum, so they know the risks of consuming these drinks. One of the areas I find after I consume large portions of these drinks is my ability to regulate my emotions is significantly hindered. While some research has shown that coffee in small amounts can be calming for those on the spectrum, energy drinks need to be more neurodivergent-friendly and have safer ingredients to ensure those on the spectrum can still regulate their emotions. But there’s also another factor to consider when approaching autism and energy drinks.
Some of these drinks have the potential to be fatal if consumed in large amounts. In 2017, Davis Allen Cripe, a 16-year-old boy from South Carolina, died from a caffeine overdose after drinking a coffee, Mountain Dew, and an energy drink over the course of two hours. In 2021, Thomas Manfield, a 29-year-old from England, died after drinking a portion of caffeine powder that was the equivalent of over 200 cups of coffee. But it gets worse: Sweden, Italy, Japan, and Germany have some of the highest caffeine overdose death rates in the world, with Sweden having 24 a year. Not only do these drinks hinder the emotional regulation abilities of those on the spectrum, but if you’re not careful, energy drinks can be lethal.
That’s not to say you can’t have an energy drink once a month. Treating yourself to your favorite snack or drink can be a great way to reward yourself for doing something great. You should just make sure you don’t drink too many of these drinks so often. Like all things, energy drinks can be bad for you. But in moderation, they can be a great treat.
Energy drinks companies should also make their drinks more neurodivergent friendly, so people with autism can properly enjoy them. Instead of using chemicals and preservatives to make their drinks taste good, companies should ensure that they use only all-natural ingredients to make their drinks a healthier option. Here is a hypothetical recipe that I propose as a standard for a healthier energy drink:
1. One cup of green tea
2. One tablespoon of turmeric powder
3. One teaspoon of pure honey
4. A squeeze of lemon for taste.
This simple four-ingredient recipe would ensure that energy drinks are more neurodivergent-friendly and, most importantly, safer for people to consume. If there’s a healthier way for people on the spectrum and beyond to get the energy they need to start the day without any unnecessary risks or hindrances to their emotional regulation abilities, then we should take the opportunity to ensure that we are happier and healthier.
Kadin is a college student, writer, and activist who is on a mission to help people better understand Autism. Throughout his life, he was told he wouldn’t be successful because he was on the spectrum. But time and time again, he proved the naysayers wrong. His goal in life is to inspire people with his story and help bring attention to Autism in the world.
