New Research Reveals Autism Mental Health Linked to These Disorders

Autism can be a challenge for both individuals with ASD as well as friends and loved ones of someone with autism.

As if navigating life with autism isn’t hard enough for most of us on the spectrum, it can come with some extra accompanying autism mental health issues that can present themselves as well.

(Note that I say can because once again, everyone on the spectrum is different, and there is no autistic roadmap that we can all follow.)

Up to 70 percent of individuals with ASD will have at least one co-occurring autism mental health condition, according to researchers. These additional autism mental health bundles can include anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and ADHD, although this list is certainly not comprehensive.

“Co-occurring” is simply clinical-speak for saying that if you have an autism diagnosis, you might also have some extra diagnoses as well.

I’ve written about many of these autism mental health disorders, and will continue to update my information and expand my perspectives on these areas, as it is important to understand them and how to exist successfully with them so we can live our best lives. 

Here are the top co-occurring mental health conditions that often accompany autism.

3 Top Co-Occurring Conditions That Can Impact Autism Mental Health

1. Anxiety and Autism
   Anxiety is one of the most common co-occurring autism mental health disorders.

   That’s because it can be related to stresses and challenges that can come with social communication and interaction, changes in routine, sensory sensitivities, trying to fit in and be someone you’re not, or being put into unexpected situations, and sensory sensitivities.

   Individuals with autism may also have difficulty understanding and expressing their emotions, or challenges with interpreting with others’ sarcasm or exaggeration, which can make anxiety particularly challenging.

2. Depression
   Individuals with autism also frequently have traits of depression, although it may come and come at different times in their lives.

   It seems to be more common for those of us with low support needs who are keenly aware of their difficulties and may struggle with fitting in, relationships, and interactions.

   If the person feels socially isolated, loneliness can set in and lead to depression.

   Personally, I have never felt depressed, although I can certainly say I have been lonely at times. But the struggle is real, when you have autism.

3. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
   Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is something that can also present a challenge, and it can even go hand in hand with ADHD or ADD, other common co-occurring autism mental health conditions.

   Together or separate, they can make it difficult for individuals with autism to focus on the right things, as they may fixate on areas that they may not be able to control or change.

   That can negatively impact their own happiness and achieving goals of education and socialization. 

   I don’t really feel like I have OCD, but others around me say I do. I do know that I like order and routine, and feel strongly about things like proper handwashing and cleanliness. So, maybe I do.

No One Size Fits All for Mental Health Issues

I wish there was a single solution for effectively addressing any autism mental health issues, and I’d love it if someone has all the answers. 

But, I’m figuring that nobody does, and it is up to all of us (those with autism and those who love and/or support those who do).

One thing that should be a goal is that it is extremely important to address mental health concerns with anyone, whether or not the person has autism. 

There are countless effective measures to try, and I hope everyone will keep a positive attitude and try different approaches until you find what will work for YOU.  Working on yourself and finding ways to provide yourself with your best possible life if you are able to be independent will help you achieve happiness in the long term.

Read more about self-awareness and seeking personal growth when you have autism.

Remedies Can Work To Be The Best You with Autism Mental Health

There are proven remedies that can help a person manage disorders. Those typically involve a combination of therapy, medication, and/or lifestyle changes.

Therapy can help individuals on the spectrum to improve their skills for coping with life and to manage any autism mental health symptoms to the best of their abilities.  Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for example, can help individuals with autism learn how to manage their anxiety and develop social skills.

I’ve done some neurofeedback therapy (otherwise known as EEG/electroencephalogram biofeedback) when I had OCD present itself during the 2020 and the height of Covid-19, and it helped me.

Although I cannot speak to medication, as I have never been prescribed any, medication may be necessary for individuals with severe symptoms, such as severe anxiety or depression. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, can also improve overall mental health.

You may have to work with your medical professionals and try various therapies and combinations until you find what works, as well as what doesn’t.

Network of Family and Friends Can Play Critical Roles

Parents, friends, family and for those with high support needs—caregivers—of those with autism can play a critical role in supporting autism mental health.

Creating and keeping a safe and supportive environment where the individual with autism feels understood, accepted, and loved is so important. The network can assist educators and therapists to develop effective strategies for helping the individual to cope and manage any mental health symptoms. 

The key is to be present and advocate as needed.

Read more about the importance of autism family support.

Educators and Therapists Can Be Part of the Solution

Teachers and educators also have a unique opportunity to support autism mental health. This isn’t just for young people with autism. This support can and should continue in high school, college, and beyond.

Teachers can work with parents and therapists to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) that meet the unique needs of each child.

I had an IEP since entering school, and it ranged at first from having speech classes, to some provisions on testing (like being in a quiet environment so I could think).

Teachers can also create a supportive autistic classroom environment that encourages social interaction and communication combined with sensory-friendly strategies.

Some of my teachers also did a better job than others of trying to minimize loud noises and overly bright overhead lights that assisted with my autism mental health.

Work and Society Can Do More to Help

While progress has been made, there is so much more that society in general can do to create a more inclusive and accepting environment for individuals with autism. Examples include promoting awareness and understanding of autism, but especially acceptance of it as a difference.

There are more things that can be done in terms of autism policies in the workplace and support mechanisms as well. I personally see gains in these areas, but know there is much more to be done.

The stigma may be lessening, but the reality is that pathologizing still exists in our society today.

Accepting vs Understanding

An important aspect of supporting autism mental health is not only understanding the unique challenges they face, but accepting those differences as well and not trying to force “changes” for people with autism to be just like them.

While some people with autism can very clearly communicate any mental health needs, others cannot and so people may not always be aware of their struggles.

It is really important for the community that cares for an individual with autism to be aware of signs and symptoms of autism mental health and to reach out and assist as needed.

Flags for Autism Mental Health Concerns

Some flags for mental health concerns (these are for people with any mental health concerns, and whether or not they also happen to have autism):

• New physical symptoms, such as stomach aches or headaches
• Recent behavior changes, such as extreme mood changes or even aggression
• Changes in sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Loss of interest in activities and passions
• Difficulty with social interaction, such as withdrawing from social situations or not engaging with others
• Pronounced changes to unusual or repetitive behaviors, such as hand flapping or rocking that have not been a part of the person’s normal behaviors
• Changes in appetite or weight. Sudden disinterest in eating previous favorite food items or significant weight loss or weight gain can be flags for needing support.

If ever in doubt, consult with a trained medical professional. 

Autism and Mental Health

While autism and other mental health symptoms are linked, it is important to always know that each individual is different and will have various needs and potential disorders. There is no one right solution that can be plugged in.

By being aware, understanding, and connected, the individual can have a happier life and one where various mental health conditions are managed. 

The key is to create a supportive environment, and promote awareness and acceptance of autism, and to enable an adult with autism to become as independent as possible.

Additional Challenges Individuals with Autism Face

Learn more about other issues that autistics face:

• Is Autism a Disability? Surprising Reasons for the Debate
• Autism and Holidays:  Why Special Occasions Can Be Challenging
• 6 Fascinating Facts About Autism You Probably Didn’t Know
• 8 Popular Ways to Manage and Master Autistic Social Awkwardness
• Autism and Poor Hygiene:  The Smelly Truth to Overcome
• Breaking Down Barriers that Challenge Autism and Friendships
• Anxiety and Autism: 5 Powerful Strategies to Conquer Emotions
• Growing Up Autistic:  How I Overcame Challenges and Now Thrive
• 6 Ways to Tackle Autism Fireworks Anxiety and Sensory Overload
• Autism Family Support:  5 Ways to Achieve A Happy Household