Understanding mental health in autistic adults

For many people with autism, co-occurring mental health conditions are a common part of their experience. 

Research indicates that roughly seven out of ten autistic individuals will face at least one mental health condition during their lives. This makes it essential to understand and address these issues to enhance their quality of life.

Common co-occurring conditions

Anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are common among autistic people, with studies suggesting that between 20% and 40% may experience them. Social Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are particularly prevalent. The ongoing stress from social challenges and barriers to participation can exacerbate these conditions, making them even more intense.

Depression

Depression is more frequent in autistic individuals than in the general population, being around four times more common. This is especially evident in late adolescents and adults. Depression can affect relationships, self-confidence at work, and general daily functioning, making it important to address.

Eating disorders

Eating disorders, such as anorexia, also have a notable overlap with autism. It's estimated that about 20 per cent of individuals with anorexia are autistic. This co-occurrence highlights the need for specialised understanding and tailored therapy to address the specific challenges faced by autistic individuals.

Serious mental health conditions

Some autistic individuals, about one in twenty, may experience more severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These conditions usually develop during adolescence or early adulthood and require specialised treatment and support.

The impact of mental ill-health on autistic individuals

Mental health issues can have a significant impact on autistic individuals. Conditions like depression and anxiety can affect all aspects of life, including personal independence. Providing appropriate mental health support is vital to help them achieve the best possible quality of life.

The risk of suicide among autistic adults is around ten times higher than in the general population, which is a notable difference. This emphasises the urgent need for mental health interventions and support systems tailored to their unique needs.

Screening and assessment

Regular screening and assessment for mental health conditions are crucial for autistic individuals. Navigating mental health support can be challenging, especially given the unique barriers that autistic people may face. Understanding these challenges and the types of support available can significantly impact their overall wellbeing.

Diagnosing mental health conditions in autistic individuals can be particularly tricky due to overlapping symptoms. For example, both autism and depression can involve social withdrawal and sleep disturbances, while OCD rituals might resemble the repetitive behaviours seen in autism. Healthcare providers must have a deep understanding of autism to effectively screen and assess these conditions.

Understanding the barriers

Autistic individuals often encounter obstacles when seeking mental health support. These barriers can include a lack of understanding or expertise about autism among mental health professionals, services not designed to accommodate sensory sensitivities or communication needs, and poor coordination between different care providers. Overcoming these barriers is essential to providing effective support.

What effective mental health support involves

Effective mental health support for autistic individuals requires professionals who have a solid understanding of autism and can recognise the unique strengths and challenges these individuals face. The services provided should be accessible, high-quality, and specifically designed to meet the communication challenges and sensory sensitivities that some autistic individuals may experience. Good teamwork and collaboration among various support providers and healthcare practitioners is also important to ensure comprehensive care.

Building a support network

A strong support network and professional help are important for autistic individuals. This network can include supportive GPs, mental health professionals, trusted friends, family members, and peers with similar experiences. Maintaining good physical health through regular exercise and sufficient sleep is also important.

Seeking help

If you are struggling with mental health issues, it's important to seek help early. Start by talking to a trusted family member, friend, or carer. Your GP can be a valuable resource for advice and referrals to mental health services. Preparing for your GP appointment by knowing what to expect and requesting necessary adjustments can make the experience more comfortable.

Types of mental health services

Various community and mental health services are available, which your GP can refer you to. These services vary across Australia and may include community mental health teams, social care, crisis intervention teams, and hospital treatment. Common mental health services include:

• Community mental health teams (CMHTs): These teams provide multi-disciplinary support for adults in the community.
• Social care: This includes assistance with day-to-day tasks that might be challenging.
• Crisis intervention: This is support provided during mental health crises, often by crisis resolution and home treatment teams.
• Hospital treatment: This can involve inpatient care, either voluntary or mandated by a healthcare professional.

The importance of early intervention

Early intervention is important when addressing co-occurring mental health conditions in autism. Identifying and treating these conditions early can prevent them from worsening and improve long-term outcomes. Regular monitoring and proactive approaches to mental health can help reduce the impact of these conditions on an individual’s life.

Support and therapies

Psychological therapies

Psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can effectively treat co-occurring mental health conditions in autistic individuals. Therapists need to have experience and knowledge in adapting therapy to meet the unique needs of autistic people. Specifically designed CBT programs can cater to the different ways of thinking and processing information common among autistic individuals. Additionally, mindfulness training can help manage stress and anxiety, while emotional awareness training enhances understanding and regulation of emotions.

Medication

In some cases, medications that affect behaviour, mood, thoughts, or perception may be prescribed to treat mental health conditions such as psychosis, depression, and anxiety. These medications must be prescribed appropriately and regularly reviewed to ensure they are effective and suitable for the individual.

Counselling and support services

Counselling and support services play a key role in addressing mental health conditions in autism. These services should be tailored to the individual's needs and provided by professionals with knowledge and experience supporting autistic individuals.

Improving mental health support

Healthcare providers should receive training in recognising and treating mental health conditions in autistic individuals. This includes understanding the unique ways autism can affect mental health and the importance of personalised approaches to therapies and support.

Community and peer support can also provide valuable assistance for autistic individuals dealing with mental health conditions. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can offer both emotional support and practical advice.

Supporting the mental health of autistic individuals also involves providing resources and support for their parents and carers. Understanding how to assist and advocate for their loved ones can make a significant difference in managing co-occurring mental health conditions.