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Resources > Mental Health Support
Mental Health and Autism
Understanding co-occurring mental health conditions
Source: National Autistic Society
This crucial resource from the National Autistic Society highlights the significant and often overlooked link between autism and mental health conditions. It explains that autistic individuals are at a much higher risk of experiencing co-occurring mental health challenges, such as anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders, due to factors like social isolation, sensory overload, communication difficulties, masking, and late diagnosis. The guide provides clear descriptions of common mental health symptoms as they might present in an autistic person, which can sometimes differ from neurotypical presentations. It offers practical advice on how to recognise signs of mental distress, both in oneself and in others, and crucially, how to seek appropriate help. The resource discusses the importance of finding mental health professionals who have an understanding of autism, as generic approaches may not be effective. It also provides strategies for self-care and managing mental well-being in daily life, aiming to support autistic individuals in maintaining their mental health.
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This is Peter Clark. We're out there every day helping autistic people live happier, more fulfilling lives. We don't charge for what we do but, if you'd like to help us make lives better, we're very grateful for even the smallest of donations - but it's entirely your choice!
