Autism is not a mental health condition – it is a developmental condition which affects how a person sees the world and interacts with others. 

Download: Anxiety-in-Autism-Guide.pdf

Nevertheless, research indicates that Autistic individuals are more likely to have mental health issues, with 70% diagnosed with a mental health condition, compared to the average global rate of 1 in 8. (2019 data).

Why is this the case?

Well, there could be a number of reasons…

Struggles fitting in

As you may already be aware,  Autistic women and girls may face challenges in social integration, as they may perceive and interact with the world differently from their peers. This can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, in an attempt to fit in, Autistic young people may suppress their behaviours, leading to further harm to their mental health. This is known to happen particularly with girls, which often results in a delayed diagnosis until their emotions become overwhelming in their teenage years.

Discrimination and Bullying

Regrettably, Autistic women and girls often face stigma and discrimination, leading to incidents of bullying and exclusion. As anyone else who has also experienced this will know, this can have serious consequences for their mental health, especially during childhood, and can result in long-lasting trauma as they mature.

Lack of appropriate support 

Autistic women and girls may not receive the necessary support due to lack of suitable options. For example, group therapy may not be appropriate and therapists may not have the experience to work with an Autistic person, leading to a need for further research to find a suitable provider.

I am autistic and I am struggling with my mental health, what should I do?

The first step is always to talk to someone about the issues you are facing. This could be a close family member, friend, carer, or whoever you feel most comfortable talking about it with. 

If you can’t find someone to talk to, then there are helplines which are there to listen and are free to use for any age:  https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline

It’s crucial to remember that all problems are significant and worth addressing. Don’t minimise the importance of an issue, even if it seems small. If it’s causing concern, it’s important enough to talk about and seeking help is the right thing to do. The person you reach out to will be willing to listen and support you.

If after you have spoken to someone you feel you need additional help, then the next step should be to either talk to a therapist or GP.

Talking to a Therapist

Therapists are trained professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. They provide a confidential and non-judgmental setting where individuals can comfortably discuss their issues and receive guidance on how to cope in a healthy manner.

However, as mentioned earlier, it’s important to find a therapist who has experience working with individuals with autism to ensure that you receive the necessary support. Autism UK has a useful tool where you can find nearby services (including therapists and counsellors) who are specialised in autism and neurodiversity, and can be found here: https://www.autism.org.uk/directory

Alternatively, if you find a therapist through other means, it’s okay to inquire about their experience working with individuals with autism. What’s important is that you feel comfortable with the therapist’s approach and techniques.

Talking to a GP

GPs can help address not only physical health issues but also mental health and well-being concerns. In fact, 30% of GP visits are related to mental health. A GP can offer support by discussing your mental health and connecting you to appropriate mental health services, such as referrals to therapists or specialist mental health clinics. In appropriate cases, a GP may also prescribe medication, such as anti-anxiety or anti-depression medication, to help manage a mental health condition. 

It’s understandable that approaching a GP may be daunting, so here are some tips to consider: 

• Write down a list of things you want to say in advance. Focus on how you have been feeling over the past weeks or months, and mention anything that has changed
• If you are feeling particularly nervous, let the GP know. They will be completely understanding and, if you wish, you can also bring someone with you to the appointment 
• Be honest and open – say whatever is on your mind in whatever words feel natural for you. If you like, highlight or print out any information you feel may help explain how you’re feeling
• Don’t try to self-diagnose. Talk about what you’re experiencing rather than symptoms which align with a particular condition
• Give yourself enough time to get to the appointment so you don’t arrive rushed 
• Feel free to ask for a longer appointment if you need it. Typically, appointments last around 10-15 minutes, but you can request double or triple appointments which last up to 30 minutes.
• Above all, don’t think that your problem is too small or unimportant. All issues are important, and your GP will want to help you in any way they can

My child is autistic and I am concerned for their mental health. What should I do?

There are a number of things to look out for as a concerned parent if you feel your child is struggling with their mental health. Indicators can present themselves in the form of emotional, behavioural or physical signs. This is particularly challenging if your Autistic child already engages in some of these more challenging behaviours. Remember that all of these actions are communicating something.

Emotional signs to look out for: 

• Constant sadness or crying more than usual 
• Irritability and aggression, or regular unprompted outbursts 
• Appearing bored more often than usual 
• Talking about morbid topics such as death and suicide 

Behavioural signs to look out for: 

• Young children become clingier whilst young adults become more withdrawn 
• Losing interest in friends or activities which they usually enjoy 
• Reluctant to talk 
• Difficulty concentrating, particularly in school 

Physical signs to look out for: 

• Changes in appetite 
• Disrupted sleep patterns 
• Increased incidence of bedwetting in younger children 
• Frequent headaches or stomach aches  
• Rapid loss of weight 
• Teeth grinding 
• Hair loss 
• Self-harm 

If you believe many of these signs relate to your child, then it is best to approach your child about it, even if you are unsure. Remember, it is better to check and be wrong than to ignore the potential issue and miss an opportunity to support your child.

However, this can seem like a very difficult topic to talk to your child about, so here are some tips on how to approach your child about their mental health: 

• Be open and honest. Explain to them calmly why you are concerned, whilst also showing you are not judging or blaming them
• Let them talk. Give them a chance to talk about it and make sure you let them guide the conversation. Try not to talk over or interrupt them
• Listen and respond respectfully, making sure they feel heard and that they are not alone, and you are there to support them. 

If after speaking to your child you discover they are struggling with their mental health, it’s important to do something. Depending on what they are going through, initial simple changes can have a massive impact. 

Firstly, encouraging your child’s interests and helping them participate in activities they previously enjoyed can improve their mental health. Initially, there may be resistance, but perseverance can help your child rediscover the joy of these activities and serve as a distraction from negative thoughts. Engaging in activities can prevent mental health from declining when individuals have nothing to occupy their thoughts.

It’s also important to help them establish a structured routine that includes regular sleep patterns, healthy eating, and exercise. Having a structured routine can provide a sense of stability, leading to improved mental health and better overall wellbeing. Sleep patterns, regular meals, and physical activity can all contribute to a healthy lifestyle, which in turn can have positive effects on a person’s mental health.

Finally, it’s important to stay involved in your child’s life and show an interest in their hobbies and things that are important to them. This helps to build their self-esteem and makes it easier for you to notice when something is wrong.

These are just a few examples of small things you can do to help your child with their mental health. For more information regarding this, see: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/supporting-others/childrens-mental-health/#top-tips

It’s important to remember that seeking professional help for your child’s mental health is always an option if the problems persist despite your efforts to support them. A GP or therapist can diagnose and treat mental health conditions in a safe and confidential environment. You can also ask the GP or therapist about their experience with clients who have similar issues to your child. If necessary, the GP can also refer you to a local health centre or specialist mental health clinic for additional support. Refer to the previous section for more information on this.