Autism or ASD (autism spectrum disorder) affects 1 in 44 children in the United States, according to the CDC. Over the years, as the number of those diagnosed with autism has been increasing, so has the impact it has had on the mental well-being of those diagnosed with the condition, as well as their parents and guardians. Children and adults on the autism spectrum are more prone to mental health issues like anxiety, ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), depression, etc.
Co-occurring mental health conditions are common among people with autism spectrum disorder. This experience can have a negative impact on the individual’s quality of life particularly if they don’t receive effective treatment or learn to navigate their mental health condition and autism in ways that support their daily functioning and personal well-being.
According to research,
Other mental health and behavioral challenges that people with autism might experience include self-harm, elopement, being impulsive in very dangerous ways, and being aggressive toward others. Some examples of self-harm include cutting oneself, banging one’s head on a wall, and pulling out one’s hair. Elopement refers to wandering or running away from the location in which the individual is supposed to be. Impulsivity can be dangerous especially when the person acts in ways that could hurt themselves or others.
READ MORE: Concerned About Your Child’s Behavior? Proven strategies that work
It is extremely important to consider a person’s ASD as well as any other co-occurring conditions (both mental health conditions and physical or medical conditions) when caring for them or when providing services to them.
Seven out of ten people with autism also have another mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Although research has not yet discovered the root cause for why mental health conditions are at such high rates in people with autism, some possible causes include:
READ MORE: Aggression in Children with Autism? How to Manage Aggressive Behavior
It’s important to focus on supporting the mental health of children with autism spectrum disorder. We’ll offer some ways that you can help support the mental health of your autistic child.
One way to support the mental health of a person with autism is to encourage them to access therapy or counseling services to address their mental health concerns.
Another recommendation is to be sure that you, as the parent or caregiver of a child with autism, address the child’s basic needs. Feelings of being tired or hungry, or lacking in certain nutrition can have such a profound impact on a person’s mental health. It can certainly make conditions like depression, anxiety, or challenging behaviors more severe.
Strategies parents and caregivers apply to their children will likely vary from one family to another depending on a variety of factors. For instance, supporting the mental health of an autistic child with anxiety will be different than supporting an autistic child with depression or ADHD. It’s important that parents and caregivers take the time to learn about any mental health conditions, challenges, or concerns that their child experiences.
If you are an adult with autism or know someone who is on the spectrum, consider the following recommendations for supporting positive mental health.
READ MORE: Self-Care & Stress Management Tips for Parents of Children with Autism and Special Needs
People with autism spectrum disorder may have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some reasons for this include having difficulty with change, having to wear masks which can be very uncomfortable for some people with autism, disruptions in one’s daily routine, and more.
Although COVID-19 has caused devastating loss and struggle in our society, some people with autism (as well as some people without autism) may have experienced some positive impacts from the changes that occurred throughout the pandemic. For instance, the pandemic has offered telehealth opportunities for medical care and therapy services, online opportunities for conferences and events, and remote learning possibilities. One research study also found that overall sleep quality improved for people with autism over the course of the pandemic. Having a more inclusive experience at work, school, home, and with the community as well as having improved sleep all have a great impact on a person’s mental health.
Although there are some general guidelines we can adhere to that support the mental health of people with autism, it is important to consider what is best for the individual person’s own mental health. To help with that, below are a few more resources that you might consider for supporting mental health in yourself or your child.
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