Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a mental health disorder; however, many individuals diagnosed with Autism experience co-occurring mental health conditions at higher rates than the general population. These may include anxiety, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and trauma-related conditions. Clinical frameworks, including the DSM-5-TR, recognize that autism frequently occurs alongside other mental health and behavioral health needs. It is imperative that you consult with your pediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist or neuropsychologist to determine if your child is experiencing any of the above mental health disorders in addition to their Autism Diagnosis.

There are several factors that contribute to the co-occurrence of Autism and mental health disorders, such as differences in communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and the ongoing stress of navigating environments that may not fully support neurodivergent individuals. Mental health concerns can sometimes present differently in individuals diagnosed with Autism and may be overlooked or misunderstood without careful, informed assessment.

At Creative Hands ABA, we take a holistic and compassionate approach to care. By addressing both autism-related needs and co-occurring emotional or behavioral challenges through individualized, evidence-based ABA services and family collaboration, we support overall well-being, skill development, and improved quality of life for the children and families we serve.

Below are some helpful resources for families:

Associations & Institutes

• American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
• American Counseling Association
• American Psychiatric Association
• American Psychological Association
• American Psychological Society
• Mental Health America
• MentalHealth.gov/
• National Institute of Mental Health
• National Mental Health Association
• National Sleep Foundation
• National Women’s Health Resource Center
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Suicide Awareness and Hotlines

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
• Suicide: Read This First

Depression

• Bipolar Disorder News – Pendulum.org
• Depression and How Therapy Can Help
• Depression Screening
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)

Anxiety Disorders

• Answers to Your Questions About Panic Disorder 

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Beyond OCD
• International OCD Foundation
• Trichotillomania Learning Center

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Give an Hour— for veterans and their families
• National Center for PTSD 
• The Gift From Within
• Sidran Institute

Addiction and Recovery

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Center for On-Line Addiction
• Web of Addictions

Personality Disorders

• Personality Disorders

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• ADDA – Attention Deficit Disorder Association
• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, NIMH

Child Abuse and Domestic Violence

• Childhelp USA®
• Questions and Answers about Memories of Childhood Abuse
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline Website

Developmental Disorders

• Developmental Disabilities | CDC

Diagnosis

• DSM-V: Diagnoses and Criteria

Medication

• DrugWatch.com provides up-to-date information about prescription and over-the-counter medications, including details about associated side effects.