Gender and Barriers to Mental Health Services for People with Autism

Abstract

"Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have high levels of comorbid mental health disorders compared to other developmental disability populations. Despite high rates of mental health service utilization people with autism report more barriers to receiving quality care and higher service needs than those with other disabilities. This study examines gender differences in reported barriers to autistic persons receiving mental health care. Barriers to healthcare were measured using a modified version of the barriers to healthcare checklist. This study will assist providers in meeting the service needs of autistic clients of marginalized genders and inform client self-advocacy."