Community Mental Health Services for Autistic Adults: Good News and Bad News.

Abstract

Many autistic adults experience psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression. However, autistic adults often do not receive effective and affordable mental health (MH) treatment. Untreated psychiatric conditions in autistic adults are associated with a host of negative outcomes, including adaptive functioning impairments, difficulties with employment and independent living, and poor quality of life. The purpose of this Perspectives piece is to shed light on the current state of community MH services in the United States for autistic adults with co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Drawing on the available research and clinical experiences, we aim to (1) highlight positive developments in community mental healthcare for autistic adults; (2) summarize the barriers that continue to exist for autistic adults in need of MH services; and (3) provide recommendations for autistic adults and their families, community MH clinicians, and MH systems administrators to consider. Significant work is needed to provide autistic adults with affordable quality MH services. This Perspectives piece presents a summary of the needed changes and specific methods to continue to improve community MH services for autistic adults.