Good mental health is an important part of our overall health and wellbeing, allowing us to cope with challenges, connect with others and thrive in our lives. However, research has found that autistic people are more likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), among other mental health conditions.
In many cases an Autistic person’s mental health issues will be diagnosed as part of their autism, rather than diagnosed or treated separately, resulting in poor outcomes for their health and wellbeing.
Everyone has the right to access connection and mental health support that meets their needs and a range of supports exists for both autistic people and the people who support them.
Some resources include:
Sane: www.sane.org/information-and-resources/facts-and-guides/autism-and-mental-health#references
Amaze: www.amaze.org.au/about-autism/mental-health/
Mental Health Foundation Australia: www.mhfa.org.au/awareness
