Lived Experiences of Mental Health in Autistic Adults
Oakley, B. F., Hayward, H., Douglas, S., Violland, P., Terčon, J., Plas, J., Boatman, C., Doherty, M., & Loth, E. (2025). Lived Experiences of Mental Health in Autistic Adults. In Neurodiversity and Mental Health (pp. 27-58). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003495949-3
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Abstract
Chapter 2 addresses the prevalence and impact of co-occurring mental health problems in autistic adults, highlighting key factors that contribute to mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. It begins by emphasising that a significant proportion of autistic people experience mental health problems, often emerging in late childhood and continuing throughout life. The chapter details how these mental health issues affect quality of life, functional outcomes, and increase the risk of self-harm and suicidal ideation. Despite the growing recognition of the need for research and better support, progress remains slow due to a lack of understanding of the mechanisms involved, which may overlap between both neurodivergent and neurotypical groups but be experienced differently at the individual level. The chapter presents findings from interviews with 19 autistic adults, focusing on their lived experiences and the factors contributing to their mental health challenges. Eight themes are identified, including autistic burnout, stress and trauma, emotion regulation, negative thought patterns, intolerance of uncertainty, loneliness, societal factors, and the role of resilience. Autistic burnout, a state of chronic exhaustion and loss of function, is highlighted as a major factor affecting mental health. Other contributing factors include heightened exposure and sensitivity to stress, trauma, and sensory overload, as well as difficulties in emotional awareness and regulation. The chapter concludes by emphasising the need for research to integrate both risk and protective factors to address mental health outcomes in autistic adults. It advocates for neurodiversity-affirmative models, which focus on environmental adaptations and the promotion of positive mental health, and highlights the importance of improving public understanding and access to tailored mental health services.
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