Men’s Mental Health Month: Uplifting Autistic Men in Washington State

Written By Maria Roark

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

Maria Roark
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