It is recognised that individuals with Autism experience increased rates of many mental health conditions. Co-occurring depression and anxiety is particularly common, and a source of significant distress and reduced quality of life. There is an urgent need to recognise and better support the needs of Autistic people presenting for mental health care.
The following resources are available to guide best practice psychiatric care for adults with Autism.
This article aims to describe mental ill health and identify specific considerations for GPs during the assessment and management of adults with Autism.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK) has produced expert guidance on the psychiatric management of adults with Autism;
The purpose of this document was to consider how the content of clinical practice guidelines shapes diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder; and investigate where, within those guidelines, social factors and influences are considered. The document can be accessed here.
This quality standard covers health and social care services for adults, young people and children with Autism. It includes assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders, and care and support for people diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. It describes high-quality care in priority areas for improvement.
Click here to download the NICE Guidance: Quality Standard – Autism
Here you’ll find a selection of articles and opinion pieces written by professionals and people with Autism who share their knowledge, good practice, research and advice for anyone working with people with Autism.
This webinar is presented by Spectrum News and explores the experiences of female individuals with Autism.
Access the webinar here.
Orygen Youth Health Webinars For adolescents and young adults, Orygen Youth Health have produced the following webinar outlining the presentation of Autism in youth with comorbid mental health conditions: Autism and Comorbid Mental Health Conditions in Adolescents and Young People Autistica Research Festival During the Autistica Research Festival, a panel discussed issues relating to mental health and co-occurring conditions
A Spectrum of Obstacles: An Inquiry into Access to Healthcare for Autistic People
Co-occurring psychiatric conditions in autism spectrum disorder
A transdiagnostic model of psychiatric symptom co‐occurrence and autism spectrum disorder
ASD, a psychiatric disorder, or both? Psychiatric Diagnoses in adolescents with high-functioning ASD