How can we support mental health for someone with Autism?

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Supporting the mental health of people with autism is just as important as addressing their learning or behavioral needs. When we take care of their emotional well-being, we help them live fuller, healthier lives.

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High Risk for Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions

• People with autism are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and other mental health disorders.

• These conditions can significantly affect quality of life but may go unrecognized because symptoms can overlap with autism traits.

Improves Overall Well-Being and Functioning

• Mental health treatment helps people with autism manage emotional distress, build coping skills, and function better at school, work, and in relationships.

• It can reduce meltdowns, shutdowns, or self-injury caused by unmanaged stress or anxiety.

Reduces Misunderstanding and Misdiagnosis

• When mental health issues are ignored, behaviors may be wrongly attributed only to autism, rather than treated appropriately.

• For example, a child withdrawing socially may be struggling with depression—not just social difficulties due to autism.

Supports Communication and Emotional Regulation

• Mental health care can help individuals express emotions more effectively, which is often a challenge in autism.

• Therapy can teach skills like emotional awareness, self-regulation, and problem-solving.

Protects Against Long-Term Risks

• Without support, untreated mental health issues can lead to social isolation, academic failure, unemployment, or even suicidal thoughts—rates of which are significantly higher in autistic individuals, especially those with high support needs or late diagnoses.

Empowers Self-Understanding and Advocacy

• Mental health support helps people with autism understand their own needs and build confidence.

• It also teaches self-advocacy—knowing when and how to ask for help.

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Find the Right Medication Faster

The GeneSight® test analyzes your DNA and helps your doctor get a better understanding of what medication might work best based on your genetic makeup. Using the GeneSight® test report, your doctor can personalize your treatment plan, finding the right medication faster and avoiding medicines that may cause unnecessary side effects.