Autism and mental health

Just like everyone, autistic people can have great mental health. At the same time, research shows that 50–80 per cent of autistic people also experience mental health conditions.

Autism and mental health are linked in lots of different ways. Understanding these connections can help you to make sense of your experiences, explore helpful strategies and find support that works for you. 

What are the links between autism and mental health issues?

Autistic people might experience mental health issues for a range of reasons. Here are some common factors that can contribute.

Communication differences

Navigating a world made for neurotypical communication styles isn’t always easy. You might find it hard to pick up on social cues, or you may struggle to explain how you’re feeling in words, which can be a pretty frustrating and isolating experience.

Sensory overload

Whether it’s a loud classroom with lots of chatter or a busy supermarket with bright lights, being in spaces that overwhelm your senses can be stressful. It might heighten feelings of anxiety and can lead to autistic burnout, which can make it harder to enjoy daily life.

Masking and camouflaging

Trying to hide your autistic traits to ‘fit in’ – whether it’s suppressing your stims, changing the way you speak or just pretending you’re ‘fine’ – can be exhausting. Over time, masking and camouflaging can lead to autistic burnout and impact your mental health in negative ways.

Neurological functioning

Certain traits linked to autism – like executive dysfunction, hyper-emotionality, or a heightened sense of justice and empathy – can contribute to mental health issues. For example, you might find it hard to get started on tasks, to manage your emotions or to let go of unfair situations, which can lead to feelings of anxiety, frustration or helplessness. 

Bullying and discrimination

Unfortunately, autistic people are more likely to face bullying, harassment and discrimination than non-autistic people. Whether it’s at work, school or online, these experiences can take a serious toll on your self-esteem and mental health.

Barriers to support

It can be hard to find doctors, services and mental health professionals who really ‘get’ autism and who understand the strengths, experiences and difficulties of autistic people. When you don’t find the right support, mental health issues might be misdiagnosed or not be treated properly, or they may even be dismissed as ‘just a part of your autism’.

Juggling identities

If you’re both autistic and LGBTQIA+ or from a culturally diverse background, there’s so much strength you can find in embracing your unique identities. But it can add pressure, too. You might feel caught between communities or face discrimination on multiple fronts. This can have a big impact on your sense of belonging and of self. 

Understanding some of the links between autism and mental health can help you feel less alone. It can also show you that these issues are often influenced by your environment and your experiences. Keep in mind that challenges can also shift over time, and knowing how these experiences evolve can help in finding the right support at different life stages.  

What common conditions might autistic people also experience?

Mental health conditions are common among autistic people, alongside other neurodevelopmental disorders. Everyone’s journey is unique, so you might experience one, none or a combination of these:

• anxiety, particularly social anxiety disorder and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder)

• depression

• bipolar disorder

• eating disorders

• ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)

• autistic burnout.

Each of these conditions interacts with autism in different ways, bringing unique strengths, differences and challenges. So, it’s really helpful to work with neuroaffirmative professionals to understand how these conditions overlap with your own experiences.

What are the signs of mental health issues in autistic people?

If you’re autistic, you might, like anyone else, also experience certain mental health issues. But you might feel the symptoms more intensely than someone without autism, or it may be hard to spot the signs, which can often overlap with traits of autism itself. That said, here are some common signs to keep an eye on:

• You’re experiencing persistent emotional distress, like ongoing feelings of anxiety, sadness, hopelessness or frustration.

• You’re avoiding activities and withdrawing from others more than usual.

• You’re masking more than usual, and it’s making you feel exhausted or disconnected.

• Your sensory sensitivities feel more pronounced or overwhelming.

• You’re turning to repetitive or compulsive behaviours more often as a way to cope.

• You’re experiencing headaches, stomachaches, an increased heart rate, sweating, or other physical symptoms that might be linked to emotional stress.

• You might find it hard to identify and describe emotions (a trait known as alexithymia), which can make it harder to recognise mental health struggles and to seek support.

• You’re having sleep issues, like sleeping too much or not enough.

• You’re engaging in self-harm to cope with painful feelings and emotions.

It’s important to point out that these challenges are common, and they can look different for everyone. Noticing some of the signs can help you to figure out when it’s time to reach out for support and to explore strategies to manage.  

How do I find the right kind of support?

The exciting thing is, neuroaffirmative identification and support for autism is on the rise. So, there are heaps of professionals and services – like GPs, psychologists, counsellors and clinics – ready to provide support that’s helpful, validating and tailored to autistic needs. 

Of course, it’s not always easy to know what to look for, especially when you might be already mentally exhausted! Luckily, Reframing Autism has created these really handy guidelines for choosing a neurodiversity-affirming mental health-care provider. It includes helpful information and key questions you can ask professionals to ensure you’re getting autism-friendly support. If you’re already working with a clinical team, you can always seek their advice, too.

Here are some more options to explore:

• Check out Autism Connect, a free national autism helpline providing expert information over the phone, email and webchat.

• Find online resources from specialised organisations like Reframing Autism, Yellow Ladybugs, Amaze, Aspect, I CAN and Autism Awareness Australia.

• Head to ReachOut PeerChat to get free, anonymous online support from a trained peer worker.

• Explore the ReachOut Online Community to find safe spaces to chat, vent, share experiences and connect with other people who ‘get it’. 

• Find out more about support services for culturally and linguistically diverse and Indigenous teens and families.

• Learn about I CAN’s peer-led online mentoring groups for autistic LGBTQIA+ teens and young adults. 

How can self-care support my mental health and wellbeing?

For many autistic people, self-care looks a bit different from their non-autistic peers. Some of the self-care basics can still apply, like getting good sleep, eating well and exercising, but you might find that even these need tweaking to suit your needs. 

Navigating autism, wellbeing and mental health is really about getting to know yourself, your strengths and challenges, and working within this framework. Here are some tips.

Find your people

Connect with other autistic folks who understand your experiences; it’s a great way to boost your sense of belonging. Get started on the ReachOut Online Community, or find a peer support group through Autism Connect.

Cater to your senses

Whether it’s noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys or weighted blankets, explore sensory tools that help you to feel grounded and calm. You could even create a go-to ‘sensory box’ filled with your favourite items. 

Embrace your routines

Your routines can be a great source of comfort and stability. Stick to them when you can, but also be kind to yourself when things don’t go to plan. If you need them, tools like visual schedules, checklists, alarms or reminders can make self-care more manageable.

Dive into your special interests

Got a specific hobby, interest or talent that brings you joy? Diving into your special interests can provide a positive outlet when things feel a bit overwhelming (and can help you to recharge). 

Make space for autistic joy

Autistic joy is that deep, fulfilling sense of happiness that comes from being engaged in what you love – whether it’s sparked through your special interests, stimming, or noticing glimmers (those little satisfying sensory moments and delights that create a sense of safety, calm or joy). 

Be a self-advocate

Learning to advocate for your needs, whether it’s asking for sensory accommodations at school or setting boundaries at work, can empower you to feel more in control. Check out this handy guide to self-care and self-advocacy.

These are just a few examples of how to support autism and mental health. Try out a few things to see what works for you. And remember, going back to basics – whether it’s leaning on visual tools, stimming more, or just taking breaks from social media – isn’t necessarily a sign of ‘regression’. It’s a signal to remember what works for you, and when.