The Overlooked Link: Autism and Mental Health

Understanding the Deep Connection for Better Support and Awareness 

Written as Part of Behavior Frontiers’ Bright Futures Series 

autism and mental health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to amplify the importance of emotional well-being for everyone, including children and individuals on the autism spectrum. While autism and mental health are often discussed separately, research shows they are closely intertwined. Understanding this connection is key to providing compassionate, comprehensive care. 

 

Autism and Mental Health: Why the Connection Matters 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental difference that describes variations in how a person communicates, interacts with others, and processes the world around them. Because it exists on a spectrum, autism can look very different from one person to another. But what many may not realize is that mental health challenges—like anxiety, depression, and mood disorders—are significantly more common among individuals with autism. 

According to the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network and several recent studies: 

  • Up to 70% of individuals with autism experience at least one co-occurring mental health condition. 

  • Over 40% may experience anxiety disorders. 

  • Depression rates in teens and adults with autism are 2–3 times higher than in the general population. 

Unfortunately, these differences in emotional expression and limited access to specialized care can sometimes make these experiences harder to recognize and support effectively. 

 

Understanding the Why: Contributing Factors 

Mental health challenges for individuals with autism are often influenced not only by their unique experiences, but also by the environments they’re in and the support they receive from the world around them. 

  1. Sensory Sensitivities and Stress: Loud sounds, bright lights, crowded spaces—these can be overwhelming for people with autism, leading to increased stress or anxiety in everyday settings. 

  2. Navigating Social Connections: Building friendships and engaging in social situations can look different for children with autism. Differences in communication styles or social preferences may sometimes lead to moments of confusion or feeling out of sync with peers. With understanding and the right support, children can grow in confidence and feel more connected in the ways that are meaningful to them. 

  3. Emotional Expression: some children on the spectrum may have a hard time identifying or communicating how they’re feeling. When this happens, their needs might not always be immediately recognized. This can sometimes show up as withdrawal or signs of frustration. But with the right support in place, these moments can be understood as meaningful expressions of emotion—and a chance to help the child feel heard and supported. 

  4. Recognizing Emotional Needs: Emotional experiences can look different for individuals with autism and may not always follow expected patterns. When professionals aren’t familiar with these differences, it may take longer to recognize what a child is feeling or how to best support them. Building awareness and understanding across care teams is key to ensuring every child gets the support they deserve. 

 

A Supportive Approach: Why Comprehensive ABA Care Matters 

High-quality, comprehensive ABA therapy is a powerful tool in supporting both developmental and emotional growth in children and individuals with autism. It’s not just about supporting behavior—it’s about building meaningful skills across ALL key areas of development, including social communication, emotional regulation, self-care, play, daily living, academic readiness, and peer interaction. It’s about helping children navigate their world with more confidence, communication, and emotional security. 

Finding the right care for your child can come with a lot of considerations. Look for programs that not only provide comprehensive support, but also offer therapy tailored to your child’s unique goals—guided by real-time data and measurable progress (such as through Behavior Frontiers’ proprietary PrioraCare™ platform). Family involvement is also key, so be sure the program includes parent training to help carry progress into everyday life at home. 

Early identification of emotional or developmental needs can make a big difference in how children grow, connect, and succeed. Whether it’s noticing signs of anxiety, difficulty with transitions, or challenges in communication, recognizing and addressing these early on allows for more targeted support. That said, it’s never too late—ABA therapy can be effective at any age, helping individuals of all developmental stages build new skills and confidence. With the right tools and guidance, meaningful progress is always possible. 

At Behavior Frontiers, we’re committed to providing compassionate, personalized care that meets each child where they are. Delivered in a variety of settings including our state-of-the-art centers (up to age 6), in homes, in schools, and in community environments, our comprehensive ABA programs ensure that each child receives support in the places where they learn best. Join the thousands of families who have partnered with us to help their children achieve meaningful milestones and lasting progress. 

 

Trusted Resources for Families 

While our expertise at Behavior Frontiers is in providing compassionate, comprehensive ABA therapy, we recognize that supporting a child’s emotional well-being is just as important as fostering developmental growth. Autism care and mental health support often go hand in hand—and families deserve resources that reflect the full picture of their child’s needs. 

To further support your journey, here are trusted, expert-backed organizations offering education, guidance, and community around mental health and autism: 

  • Autism Speaks Toolkits – A collection of resources covering various topics to support individuals with autism and their families. 

 

Support for Parents and Caregivers 

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to recognize that mental health isn’t just important for children – it matters for parents and caregivers, too. Supporting a child with autism often means coordinating many layers of care and navigating evolving needs. While each family’s experience is unique, having access to the right tools and community can make a meaningful difference. 

There are many organizations that offer peer support, educational resources, and services designed specifically for caregivers. Whether you’re looking to connect with other parents, explore community-based support, or learn more about services available in your area, these resources below may be a helpful place to start:  

  • Autism Speaks Resource Guide – A comprehensive, searchable directory of local and national services, including caregiver support groups, educational tools, and community programs. 

  • Parent to Parent USA – Connects parents of children with disabilities to trained volunteer support parents for one-on-one emotional support and shared experiences. 

  • Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) – Offers caregiver education, online support groups, planning tools, and a rich library of resources for families across the U.S. 

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Provides educational programs and peer support for families and caregivers, including NAMI Basics, a course designed for parents of children with mental health needs. 

  • The Arc’s Family Support Programs – Offers nationwide advocacy and family-centered resources through local chapters, supporting caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

  • Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) – Offers resources and advocacy tools developed by and for the autistic community, including materials to support caregivers in understanding and respecting neurodiversity. 

Every family’s journey looks different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to support. Help is available, and meaningful progress is possible. Talk to your pediatrician, explore the resources above, or connect with a Behavior Frontiers specialist by calling 888-922-2843 or by filling out the form here, to learn more about how we can support your family.  

 

 

References & Data Sources 

Lai, M.-C., et al. (2019). Co-occurring mental health diagnoses in autism: Rates, patterns, and mechanisms. The Lancet Psychiatry. 

Simonoff, E., et al. (2008). Psychiatric disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders: Prevalence, comorbidity, and associated factors. 

Contact Us Today

First Name
Last Name





How did you hear about us?
Preferred method of contact:
Area of Interest:
Behavioral Concerns:

Behavior FrontiersComment