Read on Twitter
1/6 - Thank you for RT of #SharingtheVision thread. Lets put some evidence on the table with this article from @mengchuanlai, and the excellent team at @UofT in @TheLancetPsych . https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(19)30289-5/fulltext. @roinnslainte @SimonHarrisTD @pcdodd.
2/6 A systematic review and meta-analysis of 100 studies. Pooled prevalence estimates of 28% (95% CI 25–32) for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; 20% (17–23) for anxiety disorders; 13% (9–17) for sleep–wake disorders;
3/6 12% (10–15) for disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders; 11% (9–13) for depressive disorders; 9% (7–10) for obsessive-compulsive disorder; 5% (3–6) for bipolar disorders; and 4% (3–5) for schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
4/6 'Co-occurring mental health conditions are more prevalent in the autism population than in the general population. Careful assessment of mental health is an essential component of care for all people on the autism spectrum and should be integrated into clinical practice.'
5/6 BUT limited research on barriers to access. This study https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1362361318757048 highlighted 'young autistic people find it difficult to evaluate their mental health, experience high levels of stigma and often face severe obstacles when trying to access mental health support.'
6/6 In Ireland, we need 1/ data on mental health in autism and barriers to access, 2/ clearer pathways to care and 3/ training for our clinicians on how to communicate with and treat autistic people with mental health problems.
