Autism & Mental Health

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Autism is a neuro-developmental  disorder that is typically diagnosed by age three and is a lifelong disability. It has an impact on three main areas in a person’s life: social development, communication skills and restricted interests. As a spectrum disorder, autism can affect some- one in mild to severe ways in these areas. 

Research shows that most often autistic people will have co-existing mental health disorder, the danger is this often sometimes goes unnoticed. The assumption of most people is that all behaviours are related to autism diagnosis, but this is not always true. 

When working with autistic people it is important to understand how characteristics of autism impact their mental health.

• Modify Treatment approaches to meet the needs and increase success in psychotherapy is vital for mental well-being
• Four common modifications include concrete behaviour plans, incorporating a child's special interests into treatment, parental involvement and a broad treatment approach.

Things to look out for in your child/teen: 

• Not enjoying or not wanting to do things that they would normally enjoy 

• Noticeable changes in, or withdrawal from their usual level of communication with family and friends 

• Significant changes in appetite or sleep 

• Unusual weight gains or losses 

• Being more easily irritated or angry for no reason 

• Sudden unexplainable changes in mood, both positive or negative 

• Involving themselves in risky behaviour that they would usually avoid, such as taking drugs or drinking too much alcohol 

• Withdrawal or unexplainable breakdown from their usual relationships; sudden urges to seek solitude from normal social gatherings or family activities 

Resource: Mental Health and well being ( www.autismspectrum.org.au )