Experts call for inclusive, sustained mental health care for children with autism

Hyderabad: Autism is a developmental disorder, not a disease or an illness. People affected by autism function differently when compared to others. Though autism research is in the beginning stages, there are a lot of support facilities available.

However, children with autism face the distressing problem of being at high risk of developing mental health challenges. They are more prone to suffer from anxiety, depression and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). They may also suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder.

Challenges in seeking help

Experts opined that removing obstacles to mental health care for children with autism coming from social, clinical and systemic causes remains a massive challenge.

According to Dr Mayurnath Reddy, a consultant psychiatrist at Yashoda Hospitals, autistic children rarely get help in addressing their mental health issues in comparison with other children.

“Long waiting lists, disjointed referral systems that make it difficult to get therapy quickly, and the lack of professionals with expertise in autism, particularly in rural regions, remain major obstacles,” he said.

The diagnostic overshadowing of mistaking the mental health symptoms as characteristics of autism, besides the lack of clinical understanding and appropriate care pathways, are challenges in addressing this concern.

“Parents commonly report that their children are either not referred to mental health services or are rejected without assessment,” said Dr Mayurnath.

Need for specialised mental health interventions

The typical therapies adopted fail to consider the sensory sensitivity, communication problems or cognitive styles specifically present in autistic children. The absence of specialised mental health interventions is another significant obstacle.

Dr Mayurnath further added that disparities are further exacerbated by structural problems like stigma, high eligibility requirements for services and inadequate funding.

“These disparities disproportionately impact autistic children, who are less likely to obtain the proper support despite having increased risks of mental illness, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidality. The critical need for neurodiversity-affirming, individualised treatments within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and beyond is highlighted by parents’ accounts of situations in which mental health issues worsen to the point of crisis before proper assistance is given,” he added.

Ways to make mental health services more inclusive

Measures including expanding professional training in autism-informed treatment, incorporating autism knowledge into mental health services, modifying therapies to be flexible and sensory-friendly, and enhancing referral channels to cut down on wait times and fragmentation are needed to address the existing challenges in ensuring timely and essential mental health support for autistic children.

“Particularly in underprivileged areas, telemedicine and community-based methods should be provided for expanding access. Crucially, including autistic people and their families in the planning of services guarantees that the care is empowering, pertinent, and respectful,” Dr Mayurnath said.

An overhaul of the existing structure, improved clinician competency and service modifications based on neurodiversity principles are necessary to remove obstacles to mental health care for children with autism.

It is important to guarantee that autistic children are provided prompt, efficient and compassionate mental health care that respects their particular requirements and promotes their wellbeing by an inclusive approach.