Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Clinical Impacts and Social Factors
Faculty Mentor
April Schueths
Location
Russell Union Ballroom
Type of Research
Proposed
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
College of Behavioral & Social Sciences
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Growing evidence indicates that ASD seldom occurs alone. Instead, many individuals with the disorder also experience accompanying mental health conditions, which greatly impact their functioning, quality of life, and treatment outcomes. This research explores the frequency of psychiatric comorbidities in individuals with ASD, focusing on anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Through a sociological lens, it examines how social factors such as isolation, stigma, structural barriers to care, and identity challenges contribute to psychological distress within this population. Rather than viewing comorbidity purely from a clinical or biological standpoint, this paper situates mental health outcomes within a broader societal context that shapes personal experiences.
Empirical studies consistently demonstrate that a majority of individuals on the autism spectrum experience at least one additional mental health disorder across the lifespan. Anxiety and depression are particularly common and are often associated with ongoing social stressors such as peer rejection, bullying, communication challenges, and limited opportunities for meaningful social engagement. Environments that lack consideration for neurodiversity may contribute to persistent feelings of exclusion and alienation, while stigma can discourage help-seeking and foster internalized negative self-perceptions. Systemic barriers, including insufficient screening tools, fragmented services, and shortages of trained professionals, frequently delay diagnosis and treatment, worsening long-term outcomes.
Despite growing recognition of these challenges, significant gaps remain, particularly for adults, women, and culturally diverse populations. Addressing co-occurring psychiatric disorders in ASD requires integrated approaches that combine clinical care with inclusive policies and socially informed supports that acknowledge both neurological differences and the powerful influence of social environments on well-being.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 12:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Brown, Sharphinee P I, "Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Clinical Impacts and Social Factors" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 38.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/38
Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Clinical Impacts and Social Factors
Russell Union Ballroom
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Growing evidence indicates that ASD seldom occurs alone. Instead, many individuals with the disorder also experience accompanying mental health conditions, which greatly impact their functioning, quality of life, and treatment outcomes. This research explores the frequency of psychiatric comorbidities in individuals with ASD, focusing on anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Through a sociological lens, it examines how social factors such as isolation, stigma, structural barriers to care, and identity challenges contribute to psychological distress within this population. Rather than viewing comorbidity purely from a clinical or biological standpoint, this paper situates mental health outcomes within a broader societal context that shapes personal experiences.
Empirical studies consistently demonstrate that a majority of individuals on the autism spectrum experience at least one additional mental health disorder across the lifespan. Anxiety and depression are particularly common and are often associated with ongoing social stressors such as peer rejection, bullying, communication challenges, and limited opportunities for meaningful social engagement. Environments that lack consideration for neurodiversity may contribute to persistent feelings of exclusion and alienation, while stigma can discourage help-seeking and foster internalized negative self-perceptions. Systemic barriers, including insufficient screening tools, fragmented services, and shortages of trained professionals, frequently delay diagnosis and treatment, worsening long-term outcomes.
Despite growing recognition of these challenges, significant gaps remain, particularly for adults, women, and culturally diverse populations. Addressing co-occurring psychiatric disorders in ASD requires integrated approaches that combine clinical care with inclusive policies and socially informed supports that acknowledge both neurological differences and the powerful influence of social environments on well-being.
