Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Autistic Teens and Adults

Individuals diagnosed with Autism have a higher probability of developing mental health issues, but a lower probability of receiving effective services.70% of those with Autism present with at least one mental health condition (in addition to Autism), while 41% present with two or more. The includes but is not limited to anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The consequences for autistic people with untreated mental health concerns includes lower quality of life and risk of premature mortality. As a group, those diagnosed with autism are more than twice as likely to die prematurely and four times more likely to die by suicide compared to those without an autism diagnosis. Mental health issues also negatively impact one's ability to engage in social or recreational activities in the community or realize potential with respect to academic pursuits, employment/economic self-sufficiency and housing.

33% of autistic adults report unmet mental health needs. This is more than twice the rate of the non-artistic population. The reason for this is twofold. Firstly, many autism serving organizations do not have the capacity to provide counselling services, while many counselling agencies do not have expertise in autism. Those organizations that have both autism and counselling expertise often have long wait lists. Secondly, given the high employment rate associated with autism, most individuals do not have extended health care benefits, an Employee Assistance Program or the ability to pay privately for services. It is a vicious circle as we know firsthand that mental health issues are a barrier to employment for many autistic job seekers, but we also know that employment and being engaged with your community is beneficial to one's mental health.

SASS' specialized transdisciplinary counselling service was strategically designed to serve adolescents and adults diagnosed with autism. It is both autism-specific and evidence-based. Our experienced counsellors focus on the unique strengths and challenges experienced by autistics and adapt services to address the social-communication differences often displayed by those on the spectrum. In 2024-2025 SASS provided counselling services to 106 individuals. At the conclusion of services 100% of clients noted that the services were beneficial, with 85% reporting gains/improvement with respect to identified concerns.

The proposed project will primarily benefit autistic teens and adults with co-occurring mental health issues who are unable to access counselling supports due to financial barriers. SASS also intends to build capacity in the community by providing direct experience and supervision to a Registered Provisional Psychologist. As such, the project will also benefit the greater autism community as we are supporting a clinician to develop the competence and confidence required to provide evidence informed mental health supports to those diagnosed with autism.