Précis of "People Like Me Don't Get Support": Autistic Adults' Experiences of Support and Treatment for Mental Health Difficulties, Self-Injury, and Suicidality by Camm-Crosbie et al.
Summary:
Camm-Crosbie et al. investigate the experiences of autistic adults seeking support and treatment for mental health difficulties, self-injury, and suicidality. Through an online survey of 200 autistic individuals without intellectual disabilities, the study reveals significant barriers to accessing appropriate care. Thematic analysis highlights the lack of tailored support, professionals' limited understanding of autism, and the systemic obstacles that contribute to distress and increased suicide risk. Findings emphasize the urgent need for autism-informed mental health services and individualized treatment approaches.
Key Findings:
1. Barriers to Accessing Care:
Many autistic adults are denied treatment due to misconceptions about their ability to "cope."
Long waiting lists and insufficient mental health funding prevent timely support, even in crisis situations.
2. Lack of Autism Awareness Among Professionals:
Many participants reported that mental health providers lacked understanding of autism, leading to ineffective or harmful interventions.
Some professionals expected autistic individuals to educate them about their needs rather than providing informed care.
3. Impact of Inadequate Support:
Many respondents described feeling abandoned, isolated, or forced to rely on informal support networks.
Lack of appropriate treatment was linked to worsening mental health and an increased sense of hopelessness.
4. Need for Tailored Approaches:
Participants reported that when support was personalized and autism-aware, it had a profound positive impact.
Continuity of care and long-term therapeutic relationships were particularly valuable.
Implications:
The study underscores the need for systemic changes in mental health services, including training professionals in autism-specific care and developing treatment pathways that accommodate autistic communication styles and cognitive differences. Addressing these gaps could improve mental health outcomes and reduce suicide risk in the autistic adult population.
Citation (APA):
Camm-Crosbie, L., Bradley, L., Shaw, R., Baron-Cohen, S., & Cassidy, S. (2019). "People like me don't get support": Autistic adults' experiences of support and treatment for mental health difficulties, self-injury and suicidality. Autism, 23(6), 1431-1441. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361318816053
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