Tag: ASD

Autism and Mental Health

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Autism (or Autism Spectrum Disorder – ASD) is a neurodevelopment condition that impacts social interaction, communication, and behaviour. Whilst a lot of the research into ASD focuses on children, it’s important to remember that autism doesn’t just disappear with age – autistic children grow into autistic adults. Those with autism face unique challenges that can hugely affect mental health.

Adults with autism are at a higher risk of developing mental health conditions compared to the general population – it is estimated that between 70-80% of autistic individuals will experience mental health difficulties in their life. Common co-occuring conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD and OCD.

There are so many factors that can contribute towards mental health struggles:

Social isolation – many autistic adults struggle with building and maintaining relationships because they have difficulties in understanding social norms or managing in social situations due to becoming overstimulated. This can cause people to become isolated and increases feelings of loneliness, which is a huge risk factor for poor mental health.

Masking and burnout – masking is extremely common in autistic adults (with women being more likely to do this) as people try to suppress their autistic traits in order to fit in. This can help them to manage situations but in the long run it is exhausting and can lead to burnout with increased anxiety and depression.

Unemployment or underemployment – many adults face barriers to stable employment due to misunderstandings about their abilities or things like finding the work environment too overwhelming and overstimulating. This can lead to financial issues and impact self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.

Sensory overload – when in an environment that is too loud, bright, or busy can overwhelm someone who is autistic, and this can cause long-term emotional and physical fatigue.

Lack of understanding and support – there is often a lack of empathy or accomodations and autism is still something that is very misunderstood. As well as this, when diagnosed in adulthood you are told that yes, you have autism, and may be offered a follow up session to discuss this, but then you’re on your own.

There are many ways that people can support the mental health of autistic adults – whether that’s support from other people, or support from yourself.

Build supportive networks – it can be helpful and beneficial to try and make connections with people who have similar experiences, and is definitely positive to try to form relationships with others who have a respect for neurodiversity and don’t see it as a negative thing.

Practice self-care and sensory regulation – you might need to spend time in quiet spaces, utilise things like weighted blankets, or sensory lighting as well as engaging in hobbies and activities that bring you joy. Making regular space for decompressing and relaxing can ultimately help you to avoid burnout and shutdowns.

Educate others – raising awareness of autism and mental health in both professional and personal capacities will help bring about more understanding and inclusion.

For far too long, autism and mental health have been stigmatised, leading many adults with ASD to feel invisible and misunderstood. By promoting neurodiversity barriers can be broken down and more and more people will come to understand that autism isn’t a problem to be cured or fixed, but a different way of experiencing the world.

Whilst mental health problems are not an inevitable part of living with autism, they are more likely as the world refuses to accommodate or understand neurodiverse needs. If you are an autistic adult, or someone who loves one, remember that seeking help is a positive thing – with the right support good mental health is more than achieveable!

All my love,

Anna x

Diagnosed with Autism as an Adult

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Last year I was diagnosed with Autism. It was a diagnosis that had been brought up a few times in the past, but until recently I wasn’t open to the possibility of an assessment. I’d rather unpolitely told my key worker when I was under the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service to stick it. But last year I had my assessment as I decided that I’d lived long enough feeling like something was wrong with me and I needed answers.

For so many people, myself included, being diagnosed as autistic can feel like that one missing piece of the puzzle has finally slotted in to place. It is a moment of clarity that can explain years of feeling different and misunderstood. But it can also bring about other emotions – relief, confusion, grief, and sometimes joy. More and more people are finding out that they’re autistic as adults as we finally recognise what autism looks like and how it might present. This comes after years of trying to navigate a world that wasn’t built for them.

ASD is a historically under-diagnosed condition especially in women, people of colour, and those who don’t have obvious behavioural challenges. Many of us who are diagnosed later in life grew up at a time when autism awareness was limited and only really associated with children or those presenting with stereotypical traits.

For me, I spent years of my life feeling like something was wrong with me. I never seemed to fit into the typical mould that my peers did – I wasn’t interested in the same things as them, I preferred to spend time alone, and I really struggled with forming and maintaining friendships. So when I received my diagnosis I felt a huge wave of relief because there was finally an explanation for why I had felt different my entire life. It provided validation and allowed me to stop beating myself up for my difficulties.

I started to feel all the feelings – I felt sad, frustrated, angry and overwhelmed, with relief mixed in for good measure.

I was angry with myself that when CAMHS discussed the possibility of me being autistic, I told them to stick it and refused to discuss it any further. I felt angry with myself that I never went ahead with an assessment. I was frustrated that no one else noticed the signs prior to this, especially when everything began to feel incredibly obvious.

Why did I feel like this?

Because if I had been recognised as autistic 5, 10, 15 years ago I’d have probably achieved my degree. I’d have been able to understand myself better and make adjustments that may have made university and work more feasible. I might not have chronic mental health issues or have spent so long in environments that are so unsuitable for neurodiverse individuals. I’d have had years to wrap my head around it all. I began to feel like life could look so different for me.

But I also began to learn that autism isn’t something for me to fix. And I started to feel relief that at least I could start to make adaptations to my life that will benefit me from here on. I realised that I could start to embrace myself in an authentic way and that I could celebrate my strengths and skills.

Yes, receiving my diagnosis meant I had to make a huge shift in self-understanding. I had to begin unlearning societal expectations that I’d spent years trying to adapt to. I realised that my diagnosis didn’t change who I am – I have always been autistic and will always be autistic – and that is ok! I now get to try and build a life that allows me to honour my needs, strengths, and individuality.

All my love,

Anna x