Addressing Co-Occurring Mental Illness in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Addressing Co-Occurring Mental Illness in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Alvin Sherman Library

Co-occurring mental health conditions are highly prevalent among adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and represent a significant area of concern in adult mental health care. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders reports that between 73%-81% of adults with ASD meet the criteria for at least one co-occurring mental illness (Buck et al., 2014). The national average of adults living with mental illness, as determined in 2022, is 23.1% (National Institute of Health, 2022). As these statistics illustrate, adults with ASD experience high rates of co-occurring mental illness, yet these conditions are often treated inadequately due to the limitations of traditional mental health approaches. Because of the fundamental differences in emotional regulation and social expression, traditional psychotherapy treatments for psychiatric disorders may be less effective in consideration of patients with ASD. Alternative methods for addressing these disorders include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Each of these techniques focus on identifying and modifying patterns in behavior and self-regulation, which are skills that often require explicit instruction and practice for individuals with autism. Research suggests that when appropriately implemented, CBT and DBT can be effective in reducing emotional dysregulation and improving coping skills in adults with ASD, leading to increased daily functioning and overall quality of life. These findings demonstrate the need for mental health interventions that are specific to the unique experiences of adults with autism.