Men’s Mental Health Month: Uplifting Autistic Men in Washington State
June is Men’s Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness and break the silence around men’s mental health challenges. For Autistic men, these conversations are even more vital—and often more complex.
Autistic men experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, burnout, and suicidal ideation than the general population. Yet stigma, misdiagnosis, and lack of affirming mental health care can make accessing help difficult.
Let’s change that—by listening, affirming, and connecting our community to neurodivergent-friendly supports across Washington State.
Why Autistic Men Face Unique Mental Health Challenges
Masking and burnout: Many Autistic men are socialized to "tough it out" and hide their differences, leading to emotional exhaustion.
Underdiagnosis: Especially among BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ Autistic men, diagnoses often come late, if at all.
Stigma: Toxic masculinity and ableism discourage help-seeking.
Isolation: Sensory and social barriers can limit connection and belonging.
Washington State Resources for Autistic Men
Autism Society of Washington (ASW)
A proudly Autistic-led, neuro-affirming nonprofit, offering peer support, advocacy, events, and a helpline.
All of us here are either Autistic ourselves, a parent of an Autistic, or both.
Phone: 206-693-3153
Email: info@autismsocietyofwa.org
Website: autismsocietyofwa.org
ASW Peer Support Discord
Join our statewide Autistic-led Discord server—a welcoming space to vent, share wins, ask for advice, and just be yourself.
Link: discord.gg/uhJCaeS2
Neeley Psychological Services
Offers Autism evaluations and therapy from a neuro-affirming perspective.
Website: neeleypsych.com
Parent to Parent of Washington
Emotional support and connection for caregivers—including Autistic fathers and family members.
Website: arcwa.org/parent-to-parent
Neurowild (Facebook)
Created by an Autistic educator, Neurowild shares visual and written resources around mental health, identity, and advocacy.
The Trevor Project
National 24/7 crisis support and affirmation for LGBTQIA2S+ youth, including Autistic and neurodivergent individuals.
Website: thetrevorproject.org
Text “START” to 678-678 or call 1-866-488-7386
NAMI Washington
Peer-led mental health support groups and educational programs, many of which welcome Autistic adults.
Website: namiwa.org
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Available 24/7 across Washington. Call or text 988 for confidential support.
Tips for Autistic Men Navigating Mental Health
You don’t need to “fix” yourself—you are not broken.
Look for neuro-affirming or Autistic-led therapists.
Engage in peer-led spaces like the ASW Discord to build connection.
Consider nonverbal or sensory-friendly self-care: art, movement, journaling, or time in nature.
Seek support that embraces your full identity—including your neurotype, gender, and sexuality.
Final Thoughts
Autistic men deserve support, care, and community. This Men’s Mental Health Month, let’s center Autistic voices, challenge stigma, and build networks of connection across Washington and beyond.
You matter. You are not alone. There’s a community here for you.
Resources at a Glance
Autism Society of Washington (ASW)
ASW Peer Discord: discord.gg/uhJCaeS2
Neeley Psychological Services
Parent to Parent of Washington
Neurowild (Facebook)
The Trevor Project
NAMI Washington
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
With care,
The Autism Society of Washington
Together in advocacy and allyship
Your Voice, Your Health
Your Voice, Your Health: A Gender-Inclusive & Neuro-affirming Guide to Mental and Physical Health Advocacy
By Melissa Lozito-Haskins, DSW, LICSW
(Melissa is on our Professional Advisory Board!)
Introduction
Navigating the health-care system, whether for mental or physical health, can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re managing ongoing conditions alongside barriers related to gender identity or neurodiversity. Yet every client has the right to care that respects who they are, how they experience the world, and what their body needs.
In this article, we’ll explore practical ways for individuals, their support networks, and their providers to advocate effectively by combining personal navigation tips and strategies for broader systemic change in both mental and physical health. Along the way, we’ll spotlight gender-inclusive and neuroaffirming practices to ensure your advocacy is as empowering and respectful as possible.
1. Understanding Patient Advocacy
Individual Advocacy
Speaking up for your own care: asking questions, clarifying options, and asserting rights in each appointment.Systemic Advocacy
Identifying policy or access gaps and partnering with organizations to drive equity and inclusion.Peer Advocacy
Supporting colleagues through shared learning and allyship so that inclusive practices become standard.
These three levels reinforce one another. When you learn to advocate for yourself, you become a stronger voice for systemic improvements and a better ally to peers.
2. Navigating the System as an Individual
Prepare Proactively
Mental Health: List your top 3 therapy goals or questions (e.g., “How can I adjust my treatment plan if I experience side effects?”).
Physical Health: Note symptoms, medication side effects, mobility or sensory needs, and any recent test results.
Communicate Your Identity & Needs
Pronouns & Names: “Hello, I’m Alex [they/them].”
Physical-Health Specifics: “I use a wheelchair and need a hydraulic lift to access the exam table. Could you please arrange that?”
Sensory Preferences: “Bright lights make me anxious. Could we dim the overhead lamp?”
Tip: Practice a short “Advocacy Script” before your visit:
“Hi, I’m Alex [they/them]. I’m here for my check-up. I’d like to review my past lab results, discuss my mental-health progress, and ensure we address my current mobility accommodations.”
3. Effecting Systemic Change
Spot the Barriers
Forms & Policies: Watch for intake forms that enforce binary gender options or omit disability accommodations.
Access Issues: Note whether appointment slots are too short for complex mental health or chronic-condition visits.
Partner with Organizations
Mental-Health Advocates: NAMI Washington provides support groups and policy advocacy training.
Physical-Health Advocates: The WA Medical Home Program and Disability Rights Washington welcome feedback on accessibility and coordination gaps.
Share Stories: Submitting your experience, whether about misgendering or inaccessible exam rooms, to state representatives or insurers can catalyze policy updates.
4. Supporting Colleagues in Clinical Settings
Form “Ally Check-Ins”
Host a monthly 15-minute huddle (in person or via Zoom) to discuss inclusive-care successes and brainstorm solutions for both mental and physical health challenges.
Share Learning
Distribute quick guides on gender-affirming language, trauma-informed physical assessments, and neurodiversity-affirming communication via your team’s shared drive or bulletin board.
Build Inclusive Workflows
Add fields for pronouns, communication preferences, and mobility or sensory accommodations to intake forms.
Ensure clear signage for accessible restrooms, exam rooms, and equip spaces with noise-reducing headphones or fidget tools.
5. Embedding Gender-Inclusive & Neuroaffirming Strategies
Intake & Forms:
Include free-text fields for pronouns, sensory needs, and mobility accommodations alongside standard questions.Physical Environment:
Offer adjustable exam tables, weighted blankets, clear wayfinding, and quiet rooms to support sensory differences.Communication Modes:
Provide discharge instructions and treatment summaries in multiple formats, such as written, visual, or recorded, so clients can review at their own pace.Self-Advocacy Coaching:
Role-play conversations to build confidence asking for accommodations, clarifications, or policy exceptions.
6. Practical Tips & Resources
Resource
Focus
Contact / Link
WA Trans Health Program
Gender-affirming care
NAMI Washington
Mental-health support groups & advocacy training
WA Medical Home Program
Chronic physical-health care coordination
Disability Rights Washington
Accessibility & policy advocacy
Neurodiversity Affirming Toolkit
Sensory-friendly mental & physical care
Conclusion & Call to Action
Advocacy starts with small steps: stating your pronouns, requesting needed accommodations, or sharing feedback on a form. Each time you and/or a client speaks up, they not only improve their own care but pave the way for others. Whether you’re preparing for your next therapy session, coordinating a specialist visit, or joining colleagues for an Ally Check-In, these strategies can help you and the entire system become more inclusive and affirming. If you’d like hands-on support, please reach out to schedule an Advocacy Coaching Workshop or explore the resources linked above. We can also discuss this during your sessions for further support! Together, we can build a health-care system that honors every identity and way of thinking.
--
Kind regards,
Melissa Lozito-Haskins, DSW, LICSW (she/her)
Owner/Therapist
Empowering Minds PLLC
Phone: (425) 224-5020
Email: melissa@empoweringmindspllc.com
Website: www.empoweringmindspllc.com
"Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It's simply listening, holding space, withholding judgement, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing measure of 'you're not alone.' "
- Brene Brown
EMERGENCY:
If you are in crisis, call 911 or 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. I do not offer crisis counseling or emergency services.
48-HOUR CANCELLATION POLICY:
Your therapy time is reserved for you. Please cancel within 48 hours to avoid a full fee charge for a missed appointment. For couples, if one person is ill, this is an opportunity for an individual session with the other partner.
CONFIDENTIALITY:
This communication and attachments are confidential and are intended for the use of the addressee. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited and/or unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, immediately notify the sender by replying to the email and delete i
We celebrate Pride by honoring every identity and fostering inclusive community.
Autistic and LGBTQIA2S+ Resources in Washington State
Community, Care, and Connection for Intersectional Identities
At the Autism Society of Washington, we honor the full diversity within the Autistic community—including those who are LGBTQIA2S+. Many people live at the intersection of neurodivergence and gender or sexual diversity and deserve support that embraces every part of their identity.
We are committed to creating safe, inclusive, and affirming spaces for Autistic and LGBTQIA2S+ individuals across Washington State. Whether you're looking for community, resources, advocacy, or simply a place to feel seen—you are not alone.
🏳️🌈 LGBTQIA2S+ and Neurodivergent-Affirming Resources
The Arc of Washington and Local Chapters
Many local Arc chapters offer inclusive programs that support both LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse individuals.
https://arcwa.orgSquare Pegs – Washington Autism Community (Online & Statewide)
A supportive, neurodiversity-affirming community for Autistic adults in Washington. Welcomes individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities, with online peer connection and in-person meetups in select regions.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SquarePegsWA
🧠 Diagnostic and Affirming Clinical Resources
Neeley Psychological Services (Washington State – Telehealth Available)
Dr. Neeley and her team provide comprehensive, neurodiversity-affirming Autism evaluations for children, teens, and adults across Washington State. Their approach is trauma-informed and supportive of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals seeking late-identified diagnoses.
https://www.neeleypsych.com
💜 Autistic-Led & Neuro-Affirming Media and Support
Autism Society of Washington
We are proudly Autistic-led, neuro-affirming, and committed to equity across all identities. We offer free resources, peer connection, and community education throughout Washington State.
📞 206-693-3153 | 📧 info@autismsocietyofwa.org
https://www.autismsocietyofwa.orgAutism Empowerment Magazine (Based in WA)
A strengths-based publication uplifting the voices of Autistic individuals and families—including those who are part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
https://www.autismempowermentpodcast.org/magazineAutistic Peer Support – Now on Discord!
Hosted by the Autism Society of Washington, our peer-led Discord server is a safe, affirming online space for Autistic individuals who also identify as LGBTQIA2S+. Connect with others, share experiences, access community resources, or just be yourself in a supportive environment.
👉 Join us: https://discord.gg/uhJCaeS2
🌈 Why It Matters
Autistic people who are also LGBTQIA2S+ often face unique challenges—and deserve access to services, community, and advocacy that reflect their lived experiences. When we embrace intersectionality, we create stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities for everyone.
Know of a resource we should include? Want to get involved or help build local supports? Reach out!
Together in advocacy and allyship,
The Autism Society of Washington
Why Mental Health Care Is Important for Autistic People
Mental health matters for everyone—but it's especially important for Autistic people.
Autistic people often experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. This can happen for many reasons, like:
Being misunderstood or not accepted
Masking (hiding who you are to fit in)
Sensory overload and burnout
Bullying or social isolation
Not having access to the right support
These challenges can affect how someone feels about themselves, their relationships, and their ability to cope day to day.
Taking Care of Mental Health
Good mental health helps Autistic people:
Feel safe, calm, and accepted
Speak up about what they need
Build strong relationships
Handle stress or change more easily
Enjoy life in ways that feel meaningful
What Helps?
Being in safe, accepting spaces
Having routines that work for you
Accessing therapy or support that respects autism
Connecting with other Autistic people
Knowing it’s okay to ask for help
Autistic mental health matters. Everyone deserves to be heard, supported, and respected—just as they are.
Resources:
https://ndtherapists.com/washington/
Neurodivergent Therapists is a grassroots project created in May 2021 by Amelia Galier Slama and her mom Charisse Galier Louis. Amelia had recently started her own teletherapy practice after learning she was neurodivergent. Due to her lived experience, she realized the importance of helping neurodivergent clients find neurodivergent providers, which led to the development of the directory.
Charisse helped Amelia with the initial back end development of the directory and continues to provide technical support. Amelia maintains the daily tasks of the directory, including updating current listings, adding new providers, and managing the contact form.
Amelia and Charisse continue to explore ways to improve the directory over time, including responding to the changing safety needs within our community.
https://autistictherapistdirectory.com/
A not-for-profit space to connect Autistic clients with Autistic therapists.
Our goal is to make it easier for you to find therapists who understand autistic experiences — because therapy should feel safe, respectful, and affirming. We are therapists who get it because we live it.
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/mental-health-among-autistic-lgbtq-youth-apr-2022/
Overall, 5% of LGBTQ youth have been diagnosed Autistic. Additionally, 35% suspect they might be Autistic.
May is Mental Health Month
What is 988?
988 is the nationwide number for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can call or text 988 if you’re feeling overwhelmed, in emotional distress, thinking about suicide, or need support with mental health or substance use. You can reach out for yourself or for someone else. The service is free, private, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When you call or text 988, you will be connected to trained counselors who can listen, support you, and help you find the right resources.
Calls are answered in English and Spanish.
988 and the Autistic Community
Autistic people are more likely than the general population to experience suicidal thoughts and mental health crises. The Autism Society recognizes this and is working to make crisis support more accessible and affirming for Autistic people.
The Autism Society formed a Suicide Prevention Task Force to better support Autistic individuals. They partnered with Florida Atlantic University to collect feedback from Autistic adults about their experiences with crisis hotlines. This information helps improve training for the people who answer 988 calls and texts.
The Autism Society also works with other organizations like NAMI, The Arc, and Autistic advocates—like Russell Lehmann—to make sure the 988 Lifeline meets the needs of our community.
Need Support? You are not alone. Call or text 988 anytime.
For more information and mental health resources, visit Autism Society’s website.
https://autismsociety.org/an-overview-of-the-988-number-for-national-suicide-prevention-lifeline/
For a checklist that gives you insight on before during and after you call
herre’s a link to a great visual checklist:
https://autismsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/988_Autism_Society_Checklist.pdf
Autism Is Not
Autism Is Not (Reverse Dyfalu poem)
written by Ali Burris, Autistic President of the Autism Society of Washington
Autism is not a sacrificial altar
Upon which parents lay their expectations
Nor is it evidence of aliens, or chosen ones
Or harm by vaccinations
It cannot be to blame for sorrow,
Nazism or hate
Your child is not a wailing burden
For choosing to speak late
I am not missing pieces
Or a failed sketch of a person
Nor a cold, unfeeling genius
Or a beast tamed by coercion
We are raw potential, unconstrained
By convention’s expectation
I feel too much, so much
Life’s but endless perseveration
It is a howling in my chest
Individualized compulsion
Primal scream of contradictions
Wrack against this puny vessel.
President Ali Burris is a student at Seattle University studying English and French. She was diagnosed with Autism in June of 2023 and applied to the board a month later. She also was identified as a teenager as having ADHD, severe anxiety, and PTSD. She is passionate about advocacy and acceptance for neurodiverse brains of all backgrounds and situations. She hopes to show the diversity and value of Autistic people, and fight to make the path towards acceptance and support easier for people like her.
The Vital Role of Self-Compassion and Self-Care in LGBTQ+ and Neurodivergent Mental and Behavioral Health
By Dr. Melissa Lozito, DSW, LICSW
With the increasing recognition of mental and behavioral health needs, we have seen terms like "self-compassion" and "self-care" come into focus. For the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent communities, these concepts hold profound significance. As a Clinical Independent Social Worker and through my doctoral research centered on self-care, I have come to understand the interwoven relationship between self-compassion, self-care, and their impact on mental and behavioral health—especially for those navigating societal marginalization or misunderstanding.
About the Author
I am Dr. Melissa Lozito, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Doctor of Social Work (DSW) with extensive experience in supporting individuals across diverse communities. My practice is rooted in creating affirming, safe spaces where clients can explore their identities, navigate challenges, and build resilience. As a therapist, I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent individuals, helping them cultivate self-compassion, develop self-care practices tailored to their needs, and embrace their authentic selves. I bring a holistic approach to therapy that integrates evidence-based techniques with a deep understanding of how societal systems impact mental health and well-being.
Understanding Self-Compassion
Self-compassion, as defined by researchers such as Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Christopher Germer, is about relating to oneself with kindness, understanding, and recognition of shared humanity. For individuals in the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent communities, fostering self-compassion can be transformative. These communities often face unique challenges, including stigma, discrimination, and difficulties with identity validation. Embracing self-compassion can help counter internalized biases and create pathways to resilience and growth.
A neuroaffirming perspective acknowledges that neurodivergence is a natural and valuable part of human diversity. In this context, self-compassion involves recognizing that struggles are not personal failures but often the result of societal structures that fail to accommodate diverse ways of thinking and experiencing the world.
Deciphering Self-Care
Self-care is deeply personal and multifaceted. While it might bring to mind activities like taking a long bath or reading, its true essence lies in meeting one’s individual needs. For LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent individuals, self-care can be a radical act of self-affirmation. It may involve setting boundaries, seeking sensory-friendly environments, or finding affirming spaces that celebrate identity and uniqueness.
A neuroaffirming approach to self-care recognizes that traditional self-care strategies may not resonate universally. It encourages exploring and honoring one’s own preferences, whether that means stimming, deep-focus activities, or connecting with supportive communities.
The Interconnection of Self-Compassion and Self-Care
These two concepts are intricately linked. Self-compassion often lays the groundwork for effective self-care. When individuals approach themselves with understanding and kindness, it becomes easier to prioritize personal needs and embrace practices that enhance well-being. A helpful analogy is the airline safety instruction to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others—prioritizing yourself enables you to be present for those around you.
For neurodivergent individuals, this interconnection might look like recognizing when sensory overload occurs and responding with gentleness rather than self-criticism. Practicing self-compassion allows space for self-care routines that respect and support neurodiverse needs.
The Broader Implications for LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent, and Diverse Communities
While everyone benefits from self-compassion and self-care, they hold particular importance for marginalized communities. These practices provide a buffer against societal prejudice, help reclaim identity, and foster resilience. Acknowledging and celebrating diversity—whether in gender, neurotype, culture, or lived experience—strengthens the foundation for mental well-being.
During my doctoral research on self-care, I observed how these practices positively impacted clients navigating a wide array of challenges. Individuals from various backgrounds and with unique needs found empowerment in self-compassion and self-care routines tailored to their experiences. These tools are not "one-size-fits-all" but are adaptable and deeply personal.
Integrating Self-Compassion and Self-Care in Practice
As a mental health professional, I often incorporate self-compassion and self-care into therapy by creating affirming spaces for clients to explore their needs. Drawing from Dr. Neff’s resources and culturally sensitive practices, I’ve seen clients make remarkable progress in building self-worth and managing stress. Techniques such as mindfulness check-ins or sensory-friendly coping strategies can be particularly effective for neurodivergent clients.
Collaborative initiatives, like "Mental Health Mondays," emphasize community care and consistency in self-care practices. These initiatives help individuals feel connected and supported, reminding them they are not alone in their journey.
Conclusion
Self-compassion and self-care are far more than buzzwords—they are essential tools for fostering mental and behavioral well-being. By embracing these practices, we can challenge societal expectations and celebrate diversity in all its forms. Whether navigating identity, societal pressures, or personal challenges, these practices empower individuals to honor themselves fully.
The journey begins by asking: How am I caring for myself? How am I showing compassion to myself today? In answering these questions, we pave the way for holistic well-being and self-empowerment.