Description

In this talk, Ruth Fine highlights that autistic children and adolescents experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm compared to their peers. She notes that much of this distress stems not from autism itself, but from communication mismatches, stigma, and barriers to accessing services. Misinterpretation of communication differences can delay diagnosis, escalate distress, and lead to missed or incorrect diagnoses. Although the diagnostic criteria for autism outline social communication differences, many other characteristics and experiences influence communication, interaction, and mental health. Ruth Fine also observes that diagnostic and support systems are often fragmented and not holistic, which can obscure a clear understanding of a young person’s profile and overlook communication differences. She explores how communication differences are central to autistic young people’s mental health and considers what should be taken into account in assessment, diagnosis, and support.

Learning Objectives

A. To consider the communication differences in autism.

B. To have an overview of the incidence of mental health issues in autistic individuals.

C. To develop an understanding of the impact of communication differences in autism and mental health on assessment, diagnosis and support for young people. 

D. To understand some strategies that can be implemented.

Related Content Links

Tools for the process of assessment and diagnosis of Autism
Best practices in autism assessment and intervention
Developmental pathways in early autism