09/10/2024
Today is , an important United Nations initiative encouraging awareness of and support for people experiencing mental health challenges.
Both people and parents/ of people with autism are more likely to experience mental ill-health than the general population. These groups are also more likely to experience barriers to effective mental health support, including a lack of time and money to invest in healthcare, as well as a lack of understanding around autism and unpaid caregiving. Here are just some ways that these can be addressed:
🔸 Familiarise yourself with your rights and where you can seek advocacy support
🔸 Create a document to explain you or your loved one’s support needs to new healthcare providers
🔸 Carefully planning and prioritising activities to avoid overloading your schedule and burning out
You can support someone in the autism community with their mental health by:
🔸 Discussing how they are doing in a way that is comfortable for them (e.g., face-to-face, online)
🔸 Supporting them in advocacy and accessing mental healthcare services
🔸 Assisting with errands and responsibilities to prevent burnout or support recovery
With awareness and support, people with autism, their carers and their supporters can all work towards developing and maintaining good mental health. For more information about mental health in the autism community, you can visit our website: https://buff.ly/2UbWwOW
