Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that is characterized
by differences in communications, interactions, and learning compared to neurotypical people.
The intensity of the condition is a sliding scale and ranges from person to person. Down
syndrome, or Trisomy 21, is a condition caused by an extra chromosome, specifically,
chromosome 21. This extra chromosome causes distinct physical features, a difference in brain
development, and delayed cognitive abilities. Autism and Down syndrome both have an impact
on mental fitness.
How does Autism affect mental health?
According to research, those with autism are most likely to suffer from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, sleeping disorders, and depression. Those with autism are also prone to a host of mental illnesses such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and impulse-control issues. Autism often precipitates mental illness because children suffer from the stigma of their condition and/or incur negative feelings with their struggle with their perception of the world and how the world perceives them. Mental health issues can also be caused by children feeling left out as they find their place with their peers.How does Down syndrome affect mental health?
Those with Down syndrome are also likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and tic disorders. They are also prone to suffer from oppositional behaviors, or defiance against adults and/or authority figures. Mental illness and Down syndrome often coincide with a variety of factors, not unlike underlying factors behind depression in neurotypical individuals. Sudden illnesses to themselves or family members and major life changes (ex: transitioning from middle school to high school, divorce) can cause mental illness. Those with Down syndrome are acutely at risk for mental illnesses because they are more sensitive to change than their neurotypical counterparts.How do I help my child combat potential mental illnesses?
Being cognizant that Autism and Down syndrome often coincide with mental health issues is the first step in fighting potential mental illnesses. It is essential to be in touch with a child’s core needs—love, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep—as those can aggravate or add to any mental health problems. It is also important to seek the support of mental health professionals through counseling or therapy if you notice behavioral changes/symptoms that coincide with a dip in mental health.
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