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.