Although autistic people are at increased risk of mental health difficulties such as depression and anxiety, they are less likely to receive the support they need than people without autism, says Northeastern University professor Matthew Goodwin.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
In a commentary Goodwin co-authored for the medical journal Lancet, he says that specialized training of medical professionals and novel interventions geared to people with sensory issues can help break down barriers that stand between individuals with autism and better mental health.
It’s a pressing issue, since about 80 million people around the globe have autism and face a lifetime prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders of about 40%, according to the article.
