Autism, or neurodivergence, is a complex condition that affects everyone differently, bringing its own unique gifts and individual challenges. However, each person with autism is trying to live in a world set up for those who are neurotypical, and this can be extremely demanding.
Statistics show that someone who is neurodivergent is more likely to experience challenges with their mental health than someone who is not. By taking into account this research and evidence and are aware of potential risk factors, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate the likelihood of a mental health issue developing in someone with autism.
Here we explore how autism and mental health are linked, and what you can do as a carer to support the mental health of the person you care for.
Challenges connected to autism which can have an impact on someone’s mental health
Autism is not a mental health condition, and having autism does not necessarily mean someone will experience a challenging mental health condition. However, because people with autism can experience greater levels of stress than others, and situations where their differences are not understood or respected, they can be at greater risk of developing mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Not everyone will experience or respond to the following challenges in the same way, but certain factors that can have an impact on someone’s mental health can include:
- Difficulties with processing sensory information, the impact of masking behaviours (trying to fit in), and sensory overload
- Challenges with communication which can affect relationships and result in social isolation
- Bullying and stigma from others that can lead to low confidence and negative self-esteem
- Difficulty with change and navigating a world which isn’t designed for neurodivergent adults
- Limited access to specialised, accessible support
- Being less able to assess risk, they might be more vulnerable to unfair treatment and exploitation
Signs that someone with autism may need more support with their mental health
As a carer, you know the person you care for best, and are well placed to notice any signs and symptoms that may be highlighting that something needs extra support. You might notice certain unusual behaviours or symptoms that don’t fit with their normal pattern, suggesting something more serious might be developing.
These might include:
- Increased inability to regulate their emotions
- Noticeable changes in their behaviour and more presentations of distressed behaviour or behaviour that challenges others around them
- Unusual and increased sensitivity to sensory information
- Changes in their routine, so they may not be eating or sleeping as normal
- Increased withdrawal from interactions
- Certain unusual physical symptoms, like headaches or stomach aches
- Unusual self-harming activities such as scratching, hitting themselves or other self-injury
If you are noticing any changes, it can be a good idea to note down the date and time and any details you feel are useful in a journal; this can be useful to share with any professionals you speak to who will be trying to piece together a picture of what has been going on over time.
If you are concerned about the mental health of the person you care for
Due to the high levels of stress experienced by people with autism, anxiety and depression can be common conditions for autistic adults. Left untreated, these conditions can also lead to more severe mental health issues, and so it’s important to take action if you are at all concerned about the person you care for.
Feeling constantly anxious and depressed is not something that anyone has to live with, and a first step to getting the right support is to speak to your GP as soon as possible. This will first help to rule out any underlying physical reason for changes to their mental wellbeing, and lead to a referral to the right mental health service if appropriate. You can support the person you care for by requesting that any treatments offered be delivered by a professional with a good understanding of autism. Support should always be adapted to the specific needs of the person you care for so they are able to properly access the help on offer.
As a preventative measure, encouraging the person you care for to express what is going on for them at any time can prevent anxiety building up to dangerous levels, whilst boosting their confidence, sense of connection to others, and their mental health. Accessing peer-support groups (online or in person) on a regular basis, where they can talk with others who will understand within an environment specifically set up for people with autism, can be helpful also.
Condition-specific organisations also offer lots of targeted mental health support, from advice on wellbeing strategies for people with autism, to directories by the National Autistic Society, where you can search for autism-friendly services including counselling and respite.
Caring for someone with autism and a mental health condition
Caring for someone with autism and a mental health condition will be especially complex and challenging, and your experience will of course be unique.
If a mental health condition has recently developed, the person you care for may experience new challenges, triggers and symptoms. This might mean they need to request a review of their support so that it meets their current needs, as well as personally adopting new coping mechanisms to manage their symptoms and live as full a life as possible.
As a carer of someone with a dual-diagnosis, you may also be involved in more conversations with professionals around accessing support for them, and for yourself. If you find yourself in a position of advocating on behalf of the person you care for to ensure they get the support they need, our article on self-advocacy can be a useful resource. Someone with autism and a mental health condition is more likely than most to experience a mental health crisis. Our article on supporting someone experiencing a mental health crisis goes into far more detail.
If you are witnessing more extreme behaviours or feel you need more support to de-escalate these situations, you should not hesitate to let your GP or mental health team know what is going on. As a carer of someone with autism and a mental health condition you have a right to support and respite for yourself, and they can put you in touch with the appropriate organisations who can help.
Most importantly, prioritising your own mental health is central as you navigate the experience of caring for someone with autism. You are not alone, and there is support available for you too.
Your GP will be able to connect you with support groups in your local area, and our article on accessing respite as a carer for someone with autism can be found for more information.
At Carers First we can also offer support tailored to your individual situation, and invite you to use the condition specific webpages and tools, and if eligible register with us to discover how we might work together to support you best. Carers First also has a closed Facebook community you are welcome to join and receive peer support from other carers.