Resources and support: mental health and self-harm

There are not a lot of resources or support services dedicated to mental health in autistic adults. I have collected together some of the best information/advice pages I know, as well as voices from autistic people who've been there. Further down the page, you'll find resources around self-injury.

The National Autistic Society's advice, guidance and resources page on mental health, including advice around seeking-help. Here is their directory, where you can find autism-friendly professionals.

Autistica have some free webinars and some great pages on coping with uncertainty, anxiety, depression, and alexithymia. Check out 'Molehill Mountain', their app for anxiety.

Mental health is often linked to many other things going on in your life (e.g. housing or legal issues). The National Autistic Society have advice on a whole range of issues that affect autistic people. There's also this page that advertises their services for autistic adults.

Mind have a page specially for autistic people.

Dr Pooky Knightsmith has produced some brilliant resources around helping neurotypical and neurodivergent kids with their mental health. An autistic person who has lived through eating disorders and other mental illnesses, her website is full of great information.

Emotional dysregulation is a major factor in mental ill-health and suicidal feelings. Here is a resource that aims to help autistic people with their emotions.

Self-harm (not specific for autistic people)

National Self-Harm Network is a forum where you can connect with others for support.

LifeSigns have a lot of advice around preventing self-harm and/or reducing its severity and consequences. The site is packed full of information and personal stories.

Self-Injury Support is also packed full of information and resources (ignore the sign saying it's for women and girls!)

Some people find the CalmHarm app helpful.

If you're under age 20: Alumina

Articles from Spectrum Women

Video on autistic burnout from Spectrum Women

Mental Health Autism have collected stories from autistic people who have struggled with suicidal thoughts.

The National Autistic Society have a page on burnout, with lots of links to useful content, including autistic experiences. Here is an article and advice from Dora Raymaker, an autistic researcher.

Here are some articles on burnout written by an autistic clinical psychologist.