It is not uncommon for children with autism to develop mental health disorders. This may happen at a higher rate for children with autism than it does for others their age. When you recognize this link between autism and mental health, it becomes possible to address it if it is happening to your son or daughter. At Camp Worth, we offer comprehensive autism therapy programs that can provide support to your child for all of these needs.
What to Expect with Autism and Mental Health
It is not uncommon for children with autism to face mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Some children also develop ADHD. There is no real understanding of why this happens in some children and not others. However, like people without autism, mental health disorders can occur due to genetic factors, environmental exposures, or health factors. The key is to know that a child with mental health disorders like this may have a hard time communicating the way they feel.
How Can an Autism Therapy Program Help with Mental Health Disorders?
The first step is to recognize that there is a problem present. Look for signs such as:
- Withdrawing more so than usual
- More frequent or intense outbursts
- Struggling to learn new skills over a period of time
- Expressing feelings of being sad all of the time
- Being unwilling to do things once enjoyed
If you notice symptoms like this in your son or daughter, communicate that with their therapy provider. Some strategies can help your child.
Medications may be one of the first steps. The right type of medication can take some time to determine through trial and error. However, many children see improvements over time with medication management.
The second strategy is to incorporate help through therapy. Explaining to a child with autism about how they feel and why they feel that way is hard to do. However, specialized counselors can make it far easier to communicate effectively. Like every other task and skill, children with autism need consistency and repetition to understand fully.
Mental Health Awareness Month Is the Ideal Time to Reach Out
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is the time of the year when we slow down and think about our own mental health. It may be a good time for you to show your loved one with autism that their mental health challenges are normal. It is also a good time to talk to others about your child’s mental health disorders if you desire to do so. Sometimes, communicating these experiences with others can open their eyes to what is happening in their own lives.
The Right Type of Treatment Is Critical for Autism and Mental Health
It’s not always the case that the provider offering therapy for autism skill development can also handle mental health needs. That’s why it is so important to reach out for additional help. If you know something has changed in your child’s behavior, communication, or quality of life, find out if it could be related to mental health challenges. When you do, you may learn there is help available to your child to improve their quality of life. At Discover Camp Worth, we work with many children between the ages of 11 and 17 who are struggling with these complications.
Find Compassionate Treatment for Both Autism and Mental Health at Discover Camp Worth
Recognizing the connection between autism and mental health is an important first step. Sometimes it is necessary to seek out more advanced care for your son or daughter. Discover Camp Worth can offer help to you in those cases. Learn more about what we do when you call 855.915.2545 or connect with us online.
