Health &
Wellness
Health Care and Health Equity
Everyone should have the same chance to be healthy. However people with disabilities, such as Autism, often face healthcare differences that are influenced by money and other factors. These differences can lead to different lifetimes, quality of life, sickness rates, healthcare access, and deaths.
Healthcare Inequities in Autism
Research shows that people with Autism have difficulties getting healthcare, are more likely to have other health problems, and feel more anxious or depressed than other people. To help lessen these differences, it is important to be proactive about managing your healthcare or that of your loved ones.
Actions to Enhance Your Health:
- Choose a primary healthcare provider knowledgeable about Autism and whom you trust.
- Schedule yearly check-ups and prepare any questions you might have for these visits.
- Understand your insurance coverage, including what is and isn't covered.
Tips for Maintaining Good Health:
- Opt for nutritious food options.
- Incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine.
- Establish a consistent sleep schedule and take naps if necessary.
- Be your advocate and communicate with your family or doctor about how you are feeling.
Navigating Healthcare Transitions
The transition from adolescence to adulthood is significant, with health and healthcare being the main aspects of this change. Moving from pediatric to adult healthcare services marks a critical shift. Yet, this transition is also a step towards independence and self-advocacy. Health and well-being are foundational for achieving independence in educational, occupational, and social settings.
Preparation Tips for Transitioning to Adult Healthcare:
- Discuss the transition process with your family and current doctor.
- Keep your health information organized — digitally or in a binder or notebook.
- Look for a new doctor who understands your unique needs and makes a good match.
Mental Health Considerations
Mental health is a vital component of daily life, influencing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and thereby impacting overall life quality. Research shows that around 70% of individuals with Autism have one or more co-occurring mental health conditions (Drexel, 2016). The National Institute of Mental Health notes that in adults, some symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder may overlap with those of other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or ttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (NIMH, 2018).
Given the significant overlap between Autism and co-occurring mental health issues, the Autism community needs to work closely with health advocates, organizations, and policymakers to improve access to equitable mental health support.
Autism Society’s Suicide Prevention Taskforce
The Autism Society created the Suicide Prevention Task Force intending to serve better the Autism community experiencing mental health crises. Autistic individuals are significantly more likely to think about, attempt, and die by suicide than the general population.
The Autism Society’s Suicide Prevention Task Force is working to change this by guiding suicide prevention hotline services across the country.
If you are interested in supporting these efforts, your gift will help us continue to develop mental health resources for the Autism community.