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Mental health is the defining public health crisis of our time, according to U.S. surgeon general Dr. Vivek Murthy. Recent research shows that approximately 70 percent of the autistic population has at least one, if not multiple, co-occurring mental health conditions. Services to address this overwhelming concern are lacking and those that are available can be hard to access.

At Autism Speaks, we are committed to addressing mental health issues as an organization, as a community, through the collaborative work of our Autism Care Network and as a direct resource through our Autism Response Team. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, this issue covers some key mental health concerns within our community.

Mental health across the spectrum

a person leaning on a fence in front of a lake

Prioritizing mental health has led to improved physical health, greater happiness and better overall life outcomes for autistic adults.

In this Q&A, Dr. Luther Kalb of Baltimore’s Kennedy Krieger Institute discusses mental health risks facing young people on the spectrum.

Read our tips to find a therapist and what to expect once you get on the couch.

Dr. Vanessa Bal of Rutgers University discusses the biggest gaps in mental health services and research for autistic adults.

Mona D. and her son Jack, 19, want a bigger village

Watch this heartfelt video as Autism Speaks Art Director Mona DiPasquale talks about her son, Jack, who experiences aggressive and self-injurious behaviors and with who she shares a fierce and special bond. Though she receives support at work and through Jack’s school and services, Mona admits life is still extremely difficult and the need for greater support imperative: “We need to make the village bigger.”

For Josh E., 30, a big move opened the door to happiness and self-discovery

Two years ago, Josh E., age 30, felt stuck in a job he didn’t love, in a Kansas community that didn’t quite fit. Now, he is thriving as an elementary school teaching assistant in his home of Pensacola Beach, Florida. His new life has opened the doors to a rewarding career, solid support system and fulfilling environment where he can be himself. But his road to success wasn’t always smooth sailing. In this Q&A, Josh talks about his journey and shares some lessons he has learned for dealing with life’s chaos.

Coping with autistic burnout

person laying on their bed with their hands covering their face

Navigating a world designed for neurotypical minds can present some unique challenges for autistic adults. It can lead to a state of intense mental and sometimes physical exhaustion and loss of skills needed to manage daily life. Autistic adults call this autistic burnout, and while not yet a clearly defined medical condition, it is being researched.

Self-advocates Brigid Rankowski and Lydia Wayman describe the common and widely discussed experience within the autistic community.

Autism Speaks’ own Anne Grego-Nagel, human factors engineer, also shares her experience with burnout and how speech therapy helped her overcome her resulting communication challenges.

Finding Support After Diagnosis

Join Autism Speaks to explore strategies to support your child after their diagnosis and help them reach their full potential. Listen to parents, self-advocates and autism specialists discuss key considerations in the coming months and years at our free webinar:

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

12:00 p.m. EST

Register Now

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