May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is often said that “Autism seldom walks alone,” meaning that Autistics often face health challenges apart from those associated with their Autism. Depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and eating disorders are prominent in the Autistic community. Suicide is a leading cause of early death for Autistic people, particularly those without co-occurring
learning disabilities (the folks previously diagnosed as “Aspergers”) – they are seven times more likely to die by suicide than non-Autistic peers. For more statistics, visit the Autism Society of America’s website.
It can be complicated to figure out what behaviors are the result of Autism and, therefore, require support and accommodations and which are attributable to a mental health condition requiring medical intervention or therapy. As parents, we need to be ready to question educators, therapists, and medical professionals about whether there may be mental health issues, as well as Autism, and to advocate for
appropriate treatment.
My son, Kieran, became extremely testy around the age of 16. Despite his circuitous language patterns, we soon understood that he had, for the first time, realized that he was different from his peers in more than just superficial ways. His teammates were getting their driver’s licenses. He was not. We were lucky to get an appointment with a psychiatrist, who diagnosed depression and prescribed a small
dose of Zoloft. Within weeks, Kieran was no longer irritable and sad.
If you are concerned about a loved one’s mental health, Milestones Autism Resources has created a Mental Health Toolkit available in both English and Spanish versions. This could be a good place to start. And, of course, the Autism Society of Ohio Resource Specialist is only a phone call away at 614-495-7551.
With gratitude,
Kathi J. Machle, President | kathi@autismohio.org
PHOTO: The connection between physical well-being and mental health is well-established. This photo of Kieran (above) was taken after he completed a 5K run on Thanksgiving Day. His smile says it all!