What Is the Link Between Autism and Mental Health?

Autism isn’t a mental health condition, but autistic people can have mental health issues like anyone else. Keep reading to learn more about autism and mental health.

Autism is a spectrum condition that affects how people think, experience the world, and interact with others. Some people with autism spectrum disorder need full-time support, while others may only require minor support for specific struggles, like learning disabilities. 

While autism spectrum disorder itself is not a mental health condition, an autistic person can experience many mental health challenges. However, they also often have unique strengths, such as creativity, focus, and determination. Read on to learn more about the intersection of autism and mental health, including common co-occurring conditions, how mental health crises may manifest, and the importance of early intervention and support.

What is the link between autism and mental health? 

Autistic people experience varying levels of mental well-being, just like everyone else. Research shows that the vast majority of autistic people have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Factors contributing to mental health issues include:

• Difficulty adapting to societal norms
• Delays in mental health diagnoses
• Lack of tailored mental health support
• Sensory overload or difficulty adjusting to changes

What is the link between autism and mental health crises? 

A mental health crisis occurs when a person experiences a severe psychiatric event—such as self-injury, suicidal thoughts, or dangerous impulsivity—without the immediate resources or support to manage the situation. Caregivers and professionals may struggle to provide effective interventions, making crisis prevention and response strategies critical.

Research shows that autistic people may be at higher risk of psychiatric conditions like psychosis and schizophrenia as compared to the general public (though those without intellectual disabilities may also experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors). Contributing factors that can put autistic people at risk of a mental health crisis are as follows:

• Co-occurring mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, mood disorders)
• Sleep disturbances that worsen emotional distress
• Sensory overload or difficulty adjusting to environmental changes
• Barriers to accessing appropriate mental health care

How do symptoms differ between autistic children and adults?

Autism can manifest differently in children and adults, largely due to the changes and adaptations that happen as people grow and develop.

In children, signs of autism are usually noticed early on, often around two to three years old. An autistic child may show delays in language development, have difficulty with social interactions, and engage in repetitive behaviors. Early intervention, including therapies like speech, occupational, and behavioral therapy, is crucial in supporting the development of autistic youth.

In adults, autism may be less recognized, especially if a person was not diagnosed in childhood. Autistic adults may have learned coping mechanisms to mask or compensate for their challenges but may still struggle with social interactions, sensory sensitivities, and emotional regulation. An autistic adult may experience concurrent mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation due to a lifetime of navigating a world that is not always designed for neurodiverse people.

While both children and adults on the autism spectrum share core characteristics, the ways in which these traits present themselves can vary depending on age, life experience, and support systems.

Why does autism often go undiagnosed in women? 

Autism diagnosis relies on behavioral assessments and developmental history, but these tools were largely developed based on male traits. As a result, autism in women often goes undetected, leading to delays in diagnosis and support. Historically, autism was considered a “male” condition, with most research focused on male participants. Boys are referred for autism diagnoses 10 times more than girls, contributing to a gap in understanding autism in women.

Autism can present differently in women, particularly in childhood. Girls may experience fewer social difficulties, internalize symptoms such as anxiety or depression, and develop intense interests that align with socially acceptable norms, making their autism less noticeable. Additionally, autistic women often “mask” their symptoms—mimicking social behaviors to fit in—leading to mental exhaustion and increased stress. This masking can delay diagnosis until adulthood, when social and executive functioning challenges become more pronounced. While autism itself does not worsen over time, the lack of early support can contribute to mental health difficulties. 

How to support an autistic person’s mental well-being

With the right approach, autistic people can face their mental health concerns head-on and lead more fulfilling and balanced lives. If you’re concerned about an autistic person’s mental well-being, here are some kinds of support that may be helpful:

1. Professional support

If you or someone you know is autistic and struggling with mental health, finding the right support is essential. Professional support options include:

• Therapy: A psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist with experience in autism can provide tailored strategies for managing anxiety, depression, or other conditions
• Medication: Healthcare providers may recommend medications to manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, or impulsivity
• Occupational therapy: An occupational therapist can help manage sensory sensitivities and improve daily routines

A doctor can refer people to therapy or recommend medication if needed. 

2. Autism-aware mental health services

Not all mental health professionals are trained in autism. Seeking a therapist with experience in autism can significantly improve treatment effectiveness. When seeking care, consider:

• Asking if the professional has experience with autistic clients
• Looking for autism-friendly clinics or organizations specializing in neurodiverse mental health care
• Seeking recommendations from autism support groups or organizations

3. Crisis support, as needed

If someone is in immediate distress or experiencing a mental health crisis, urgent support is available:

• Call emergency services if there is an immediate risk of harm
• Reach out to crisis hotlines or text-based support services
• Visit a local crisis center or emergency room for urgent intervention

Many areas are developing autism-specific crisis services, but in the meantime, caregivers and people should prepare by identifying emergency contacts and creating crisis plans.

4. Community and peer support

Connecting with others who understand can provide valuable support:

• Autism support groups: Local and online communities where people can share experiences and seek advice
• Mentorship programs: Peer mentorship programs connect autistic people with others who have faced similar challenges
• Family and caregiver support groups: Support groups for parents, siblings, and caregivers of autistic people

5. Self-care

In addition to professional and community support, developing personal coping strategies is important. Effective self-care strategies include:

• Establishing a routine
• Practicing relaxation techniques
• Engaging in special interests
• Advocating for needs

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one are struggling with autism and mental health, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for dealing with serious mental health conditions, including autism, childhood trauma, and more. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into person counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing autism and other mental health concerns is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.