Kicking Off Mental Health Awareness Month with a Focus on Disability and Autism
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May marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to elevate the conversation around emotional well-being and mental health support for all — including people with disabilities and autism. At Sycamore Services, we recognize the importance of advocating for mental health awareness not just during this month, but year-round.
For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), mental health needs are often more complex and underserved. As we launch this month-long awareness campaign, we invite you to learn more about the challenges facing these individuals and their families, and how we can all be part of the solution.
How Mental Health Intersects with Autism and Disabilities
People with disabilities — particularly those with autism — face an increased risk of developing mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation. According to a 2020 study published in The Lancet Psychiatry, over 70% of people with autism have at least one co-occurring mental health condition. These challenges often go unrecognized or untreated due to a lack of specialized mental health professionals and diagnostic overshadowing, where symptoms of mental illness are mistakenly attributed to the primary disability.
Further, children with autism are 28 times more likely to experience suicidal ideation than their neurotypical peers, according to research published in Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Early intervention and consistent mental health care are crucial to helping these individuals live full, meaningful lives.
Adults who are diagnosed with autism later in life often report years of misdiagnosis or feeling misunderstood. These experiences contribute to elevated risks for depression, social isolation, and burnout, as highlighted by Verywell Health.
The Ripple Effect: Mental Health Impacts on Families and Caregivers
The mental health struggles don’t stop with the individual — they often ripple outward to impact families and caregivers. A study in the Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health found that parents of children with autism experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than parents of neurotypical children. Caregivers are also more likely to face burnout, especially when juggling therapy appointments, advocacy, financial constraints, and the emotional labor of caregiving.
That’s why mental health resources and support networks must include family counseling, respite care, and caregiver support programs, helping to build resilience across the entire family system.
Local Indiana Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. Here are some key Indiana-based mental health resources:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 for free, 24/7 support from trained counselors. Indiana has one of the highest in-state response rates in the country.
Aspire Indiana Health – Provides immediate assistance, crisis intervention, and community-based mental health services across Central Indiana.
Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center – Offers mobile crisis teams and emergency behavioral health services in the Indianapolis area.
NAMI Indiana – Offers peer support, education, and public awareness. Their Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs help improve how law enforcement responds to people in crisis.
Indiana 211 – Dial 2-1-1 for help connecting to mental health services, housing support, food assistance, and more.
Mental Health America of Indiana – Provides information, advocacy, and training across the state for mental wellness initiatives, including resources for people with disabilities.
Our Commitment at Sycamore Services
At Sycamore Services, we are deeply committed to helping individuals with disabilities and autism access integrated, person-centered support — including when it comes to mental health. Through our residential, vocational, and community-based programs, we strive to support individuals in achieving stability, connection, and empowerment.
We know that mental health is not just a clinical issue — it's a community one. This May, we encourage everyone to check in on their loved ones, advocate for inclusive mental health care, and help end the stigma that still surrounds mental illness.
Together, we can build a more compassionate and connected Indiana.
Together we can.
The information provided in this blog post is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical, mental health, or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health provider, or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. Sycamore Services, Inc. does not provide medical advice and assumes no responsibility or liability for actions taken based on the content of this post.
📚 References
Lai, M.-C., et al. (2019). Co-occurring mental health diagnoses in autism. The Lancet Psychiatry. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(19)30289-5/fulltext
Mayes, S. D., et al. (2013). Suicide ideation and attempts in children with autism. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 7(1), 109–119. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1750946716300841
Verywell Health. (2022). Autism Diagnosis in Adulthood: What to Expect. https://www.verywellhealth.com/autism-diagnosis-adulthood-mental-health-5205054
Samadi, S. A., et al. (2019). Psychological well-being of caregivers of children with ASD. Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health, 6, 199–204. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40737-019-00130-1
