Mental Wellbeing of People on the Autistic Spectrum

Evidence from our two year project highlighted that people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are particularly vulnerable to developing mental health problems. We also found out that existing services tend to treat people either for their ASD or for their mental health problems, failing to recognise the complex dynamic between the two.

A key message we are trying to promote is that mental health problems faced by people with ASD may not be directly linked to their diagnosis. Service providers must be aware of the implications in terms of how the person will interact with the physical environment as well as with other people.

With few mental health services providing specialist support for adults with ASD in the UK, there is a great need to develop mental health services able to meet the needs of this particular client group in an appropriate and respectful way.

This is why we have been working with our local minds and other partners to produce practical guidance for health and social care professionals to make sure that people on the autistic spectrum get genuine person-centred support.

We know how often people get stuck between mental health and autism-specific support. Our ambition is to provide tools and guidance that will make mental health services more aware and responsive.

You can download here our newest guidance for practitioners and providers to help them supporting people living with autism spectrum disorder and mental health problems