Autistic individuals face disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges — including anxiety, depression, and suicidality — yet they remain drastically underserved by the mental health care system. A recent piece from the Brown University School of Public Health underscores this growing crisis and calls for urgent, systemic change.

Research shows that autistic people are more likely to experience mental health conditions than their neurotypical peers. But when they seek help, they often encounter barriers that include:

• Clinicians lacking autism-specific training

• Inaccessible or non-adapted therapies

• Misdiagnoses or overlooked symptoms

• Long waitlists and limited availability of appropriate care

This mismatch between need and access isn’t just a policy failure — it’s a public health emergency. The mental health system, designed with neurotypical experiences in mind, often falls short in recognizing and responding to the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals.

Experts at Brown emphasize the importance of tailored care models, inclusive training for providers, and systems that value autistic voices and lived experiences. Solutions include autism-affirming therapy approaches, co-designed mental health services, and community-based supports that build trust and accessibility.

The message is clear: we can’t talk about autism support without talking about mental health. Addressing this crisis isn’t optional — it’s essential for equity, dignity, and wellbeing.

Mental health is health. And every mind deserves care that understands it.