Autism and Depression

While anyone can develop depression, some people have a higher risk than others. One reason for this is that depression is comorbid, or often occurs, with many different types of conditions.

For example, people who are autistic have a greater chance of developing a mental health condition like depression. If you or someone you love has autism and depression, navigating both conditions can be challenging. This is because autism can affect how depressive symptoms appear and which treatments are most effective. Thankfully, there are ways that people with autism can reduce their depressive symptoms.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder, also known as ASD, is a neurodivergent condition. This means that the way people who are autistic interpret sensory input and information differs from what is typically expected. You may have difficulty with the unspoken aspect of communication, such as body language, tone, and inferred meaning.

In addition to communication and social difficulties, it is common for people with autism to have sensory processing issues. This may appear as an over-or-underreaction to stimuli, such as loud or abrupt noises, bright lights, or pain. Or, your triggers may be something else entirely.

ASD is considered a disorder because it impacts every aspect of an individual’s life. At the same time, people with ASD often demonstrate talents and abilities, such as a remarkable level of attention to detail, enhanced memory skills, and creativity. You probably recognize the situations where you or your loved one excels, and others where you or they face more struggle, or need more support.

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5, ASD is categorized by levels. The higher the level, the more support the individual needs to thrive in their everyday lives. Here is a breakdown of each level and some associated symptoms.

You might notice that your own or loved one’s experience doesn’t fit neatly into these categories. While these levels outline common behaviors, ASD symptoms vary widely between individuals. It is also normal to be level 1 in some areas and level 2 and 3 in others.

What’s It Like To Have ASD?

The best way to know what it's like to have ASD is to ask someone who lives with the disorder every day.

These experiences do not represent every person with ASD’s reality. But they do share some common threads. In general, people with ASD encounter obstacles in many everyday situations that people without ASD may not even notice. This is not because of any inherent shortcoming within you or your loved one, but rather having to exist in a world designed without your needs in mind.

Common Misconceptions about ASD

Even though ASD has been studied for nearly 100 years, there are still some pervasive misconceptions about the disorder. Dispelling these myths is essential for creating a more inclusive environment where people with ASD can thrive.

1. ASD is becoming more common

The ASD prevalence rate has risen every year since 2000. Among children born in 1992, 1 in every 150 was on the autism spectrum. Today, 1 in every 36 children born in 2012 has the disorder.

At first glance, this may seem like ASD rates are growing. Researchers from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network and other experts believe that what is actually happening is that diagnostics are becoming more accurate and accessible.

This means that more people are getting the support they need at a younger age. It also means that adults who struggled with ASD symptoms their entire lives are receiving a proper diagnosis and help.

2. People with ASD do not want to socialize

Just because some people with ASD have a difficult time navigating social interactions, it doesn’t mean that they are not interested in social connections. However, given that social interactions, especially with non-autistic people, require a lot of preparation and cognitive strain, many people with ASD find socializing taxing.

Also, some behaviors associated with ASD, such as little eye contact, can inadvertently signal disinterest. In actuality, the person may be extremely interested in the conversation but lack the social skills to express their feelings clearly.

3. Everyone with ASD has the same symptoms and behaviors

As with any other disorder or condition, there are some symptoms that many people with ASD experience. The most common are sensory issues and communication problems. However, just like all diabetics and asthmatics could hardly be expected to behave the same, people with ASD also have unique experiences and personalities.

While some people exhibit stereotypical ASD behaviors, you or someone you know may not. If you have autism, you may also recognize the action of “masking”, which is a way to hide ASD symptoms by mimicking social norms. This can make diagnosis complicated.

4. People with ASD do not feel emotions

Another unfortunate stereotype is that people with ASD are emotionless and do not respond to the emotions of others. Part of this myth stems from the overlap of people with both ASD and alexithymia, a condition that makes it difficult to read and interpret emotions.

On the other hand, many people with ASD actually have a high sensitivity to emotions. However, because of communication challenges, they may not be able to fully express or explain their emotional experiences to others.

Depression and ASD – Challenges and Treatments

People with autism are highly vulnerable to mental and psychological illnesses. They are four times more likely to experience at least one depressive episode than people without ASD.

Researchers think there are several reasons for this elevated risk. Firstly, communication barriers can prevent people with ASD from building close relationships, which are protective factors against depression. There may also be genetic and biological reasons why people with ASD have a higher risk of depression.

Depression can make managing ASD challenges even more difficult. For example, if you or your loved one are depressed it might cause certain symptoms, like irritability and fatigue, to intensify.

Psychotherapy can also be a problem. In a sample study of UK psychotherapists, more than 60% reported not having sufficient training to support people with autism.

So, what does work? Finding a psychotherapist or mental health specialist with a specialization in working with people with autism is a good start. You can find a list of qualified professionals on the following websites:

• National Autistic Society UK
• Psychology Today (USA)

In addition, there are things that adults with ASD can do to reduce their stress and bring more ease into their daily lives. If you have autism, you may find the following activities helpful:

Take breaks: If you have sensory sensitivities, you may become overwhelmed by sensory experiences such as strong smells or loud and crowded rooms. You can take a break in a less stimulating space. Many workplaces and universities offer quiet zones or safe rooms where anyone who needs a break from stimulation can recharge. If this is not available, you can take an extra long break in the restroom to get some solitude.

Use communication strategies: Visual aids and electronic devices can help you better express yourself to others. Practicing role plays with a trained psychotherapist or mental health professional can help build your social skills.

Some people find that creating a mental checklist of actions and phrases makes it easier to navigate a conversation. If it feels comfortable for you, you can talk to people directly about your condition and how it impacts your communication.

For example, if you naturally avoid eye contact, you explicitly let conversation partners know that your lack of eye contact doesn’t mean you are not interested in what they are saying. This can help others understand you better and work to meet you halfway.

Lean on strengths: As mentioned before, ASD can amplify desirable traits, such as sensitivity, creativity, and focus. For this reason, if you pursue your passions, you may be able to do so with an intensity that would be very difficult for a non-autistic person to match. Use this to your advantage by engaging in activities that match your interests and skills.

Of course, following healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as regular movement, a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene, can also improve well-being and lower the risk of depression.