Episode 6: Autism and Mental Health – Unpacking the Overlap
Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of depression, anxiety, and self-harm. Please listen with care.
What if your biggest struggles weren’t from being autistic—but from being misunderstood?
In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode, we peel back the layers of how autism and mental health intertwine. From the silent weight of anxiety and burnout to the emotional aftermath of masking and late diagnosis, we explore why so many autistic people are fight...
Episode 6: Autism and Mental Health – Unpacking the Overlap
Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of depression, anxiety, and self-harm. Please listen with care.
What if your biggest struggles weren’t from being autistic—but from being misunderstood?
In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode, we peel back the layers of how autism and mental health intertwine. From the silent weight of anxiety and burnout to the emotional aftermath of masking and late diagnosis, we explore why so many autistic people are fighting battles nobody sees.
We’re not just talking symptoms—we’re talking systems. Misdiagnosis. Stigma. The therapy that hurts. And what healing could look like if it truly honored neurodivergent minds.
Whether you’ve been there, love someone who has, or are finally seeing your own story in a new light—this episode is the conversation we all need to hear.
Show Notes
https://researchautism.org/oaracle-newsletter/the-intersection-of-autism-and-mental-health/#:~:text=According%20to%20a%202021%20study%20by%20the,*%20**Obsessive%2Dcompulsive%20disorder%20(OCD)**%2022%%20lifetime%20prevalence
https://researchautism.org/oaracle-newsletter/at-the-intersection-of-mental-health-and-autism/
https://undivided.io/resources/autism-and-co-occurring-diagnoses-1320
https://neurobridge.co.uk/whats-the-difference-between-mental-health-issues-and-neurodivergence/
https://www.adult-autism.health.harvard.edu/resources/anxiety-and-depression/
https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/12/us/autistic-teen-idaho-police-shooting-dies
https://aane.org/autism-info-faqs/library/anticipation-anxiety/
References
Brenda Dater, M. M. (2023, May 4). Autism and Depression. Retrieved from AANE.org: https://aane.org/autism-info-faqs/library/autism-and-depression/
Cathy Pratt, P. B.-D. (2021, July 13). At the Intersection of Mental Health and Autism. Retrieved from researchautism.org: https://researchautism.org/oaracle-newsletter/at-the-intersection-of-mental-health-and-autism/
Dania Jekel, M. (2020, August 3). Anticipation Anxiety. Retrieved from AANE.org: https://aane.org/autism-info-faqs/library/anticipation-anxiety/
Lorentz, B. (2021, August 4). The Intersection of Autism and Mental Health. Retrieved from researchautism.org: https://researchautism.org/oaracle-newsletter/the-intersection-of-autism-and-mental-health/#:~:text=According%20to%20a%202021%20study%20by%20the,*%20**Obsessive%2Dcompulsive%20disorder%20(OCD)**%2022%%20lifetime%20prevalence
Credits
Executive Producer:
Keith Holloway
Co-Executive Producer:
Bridget Holloway
Hosts:
Keith and Bridget Holloway
Produced & Edited by:
Keith Holloway
Theme Music:
"Paradise Found"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Logo Design:
Nathan McConnell (Growing up Autie)
https://www.facebook.com/growingupautie
A Dispatch Central Production
© 2025
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Disclaimers
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of autism or any related condition.
The views and experiences shared here are personal and may not reflect those of everyone on the autism spectrum. Autism is a broad and diverse spectrum, and each individual's journey is unique.
Some episodes may contain discussions of mental health, trauma, or other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.
We aim to create a respectful, inclusive space for autistic individuals, their families, professionals, and allies. If we ever get it wrong, we welcome thoughtful feedback.
This podcast may feature sponsored content or affiliate links, which will be disclosed during the episode.
