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.