Autism Speaks Advocates for Mental Health

Dear friends and colleagues,

Although autism and mental illnesses cannot explain the violent tragedy in Newtown, Conn., Autism Speaks is eager join with others in advocating for improved mental health services. Like millions of other Americans, some individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) develop mental illnesses that reduce their ability to hold jobs, develop relationships and enjoy life. Conditions such as anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder are not uncommon among people with ASD.[i]

A recent study found that nearly half of adolescents with an ASD had used mental health services in the past year.[ii] Yet many children with ASD are not getting the mental health services they need. Compared to children with other disabilities or mental illnesses, children with ASD have more unmet healthcare needs and more difficulty accessing mental health services. Another study found that at least 15 percent of children with ASD lacked access to mental health services when they needed them.[iii] Although inadequacies in mental health services affect many Americans, the problem is more severe for individuals and families affected by ASD.

Why are healthcare inadequacies such a pronounced problem for children and adults with ASD? Reasons include inadequacies in health insurance coverage and managed care programs and a general shortage of providers with the skills needed to address this community’s often-complicated healthcare needs. Families find it extremely challenging to navigate the increasingly complex maze of providers and healthcare systems, each with their own set of contracts and requirements. For example, state Medicaid programs often have separate programs for mental health services, which can complicate coordination of care among providers.

Furthermore, many physicians are reluctant to care for children with ASD. This became evident in a survey of American physicians, many of whom reported that their medical training left them poorly equipped to treat children with chronic and complex conditions such as ASD.[iv] Consequently, improving access to quality mental health services and other healthcare will require both insurance reform and improved training in medical school and healthcare systems.

Norman Anderson, Ph.D., chief executive officer of the American Psychological Association, recently participated in a White House forum on violence prevention, convened by Vice President Joe Biden following the Newtown tragedy. After the meeting, Dr. Anderson reported a “clear unanimity on a number of issues, including the need to improve all aspects of mental health services for both children and adults; to reduce stigma and educate the public about mental health; to delink mental illness with violence; to make parity [between medical and mental health] a true reality; and to deal with mental health workforce issues.” He urged the President to help ensure that every person who needs mental healthcare receives it – a goal that will rely on the full implementation of the mental health provisions in the Affordable Care Act.

Dr. Anderson’s recommendations are important for all Americans who struggle with mental illnesses. They are crucial for those with ASD who continue to struggle with inadequate access to the healthcare they need.

Warmest regards,

Geraldine Dawson

Chief Science Officer, Autism Speaks