Autism is not a mental health problem, but autistic young people can experience good and bad mental health like anyone else.

For many families, recognising autism and understanding how it links to a young person’s emotional wellbeing can feel overwhelming. Some children and teenagers on the autism spectrum also experience mental health challenges, such as anxiety, low mood, or difficulties with self-regulation.

Recognising Signs of Autism

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how someone sees the world, processes information, and interacts with others. It shows up differently in every person – that’s why it’s called a spectrum condition. However, here are some common signs that children and young people may experience:

  • Struggling with social communication and understanding social rules
  • A need for routines or becoming distressed by changes
  • Strong interests in particular topics
  • Sensory differences, like being overwhelmed by lights, noise, or textures
  • Difficulty recognising or expressing emotions

If your young person shows some of these behaviours, especially if they are struggling with what they are experiencing, it may be worth exploring some support.

Mental Health Support: When Autism and Mental Health Overlap

Many autistic young people also experience mental health concerns, especially anxiety, emotional distress, or low mood. These may stem from sensory overload, difficulties navigating social settings, or frustration when their needs are not understood. They may also mask a lot to fit into their environments, which can be tiring, and can affect their mental health.

There are many things your Young Person might experience that can impact their mental health and wellbeing:

  • Autistic fatigue and burnout – Socialising and sensory overload or masking traits can be exhausting for a young person and can lead to fatigue or burnout. Recognising what drains their energy and finding ways they can recharge can help.
  • Meltdowns and shutdowns – When things become overwhelming, they may experience a meltdown or shut down. A meltdown may present as shouting, crying or hitting out physically. Whilst a shutdown could be where the young person goes quiet, freezes up or is unresponsive.

You’re Not Alone

Whether your young person is autistic, struggling with their mental health, or both, help is available. Understanding which service to approach can make a big difference—and ensure your child gets the right kind of support.

Which Service is Right for Your Young Person?

It can sometimes be difficult to know what the right support is for your young person’s needs, especially if they are experiencing different things. Below are some local and national services.

Wirral Support

• You can call the 0-19 service on 0151 514 0219 for children who are not in full time school or speak to your special educational needs (SENCO) staff at your child’s school or nursery. Ask for their advice and if they think it is a good idea to refer your child for an autism assessment.

• Visit SENDLO – SENDLO brings together information about the local services and support available across Wirral for children and young people aged 0 to 25, who have special educational needs and/ or disabilities. Here you can get advice, and look through Wirral’s directory of SEND support.

• Wirral SEND Partnership (SEND IASS) provide free, impartial legally based information, advice and support to children and young people with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) and their parents/carers and also professionals who work with them. They can support with a range of things such as Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA), Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCP’s), SEND-related Health topics including advice about pathways, choosing a school, support through exclusions and suspensions, and preparation for adulthood.

National Support

The National Autistic Society has lots of information about supporting an autistic person who is struggling with their mental health. This includes advice around specific mental health conditions such as anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or eating problems. 

Mental health support

If you would like to explore wider support for your child’s emotional wellbeing or mental health, complete our Branch questionnaire below.