Social factors that are linked to mental health
Understanding Mental Health within the Context of Autism.
Appropriate and inappropriate environments
An “environment” means the places that a person lives, works or engages with their community. Being in healthy environments can help with positive mental health. Environments need to be a good fit for us, and this fit is
Unique to each of us. Some environments may be too isolating for a person, or an Autistic person may be treated unfairly or taken advantage of. Some environments do not give a person enough choice or control over their life. Some environments may provide too little or too much activity or stimulation.
Social networks
Some Autistic people can thrive when they are connected with healthy social groups, such as having access to a network of Autistic peers who are supportive and help them feel like they matter and belong (e.g., advocacy groups or online communities). It can be very helpful in reaching goals and in finding community.
Autistic people may struggle to access this kind of social network. Some Autistic people may be involved in abusive relationships (e.g., bullying) or become involved with inappropriate peers to fit in with social networks.Online networks can be a very useful way to connect. But, similar to in-person environments, interactions can be helpful or harmful.
Family and friends
Family members and friends can be an important source of positive mental health. These relationships can support, help, connect and bring joy to the Autistic person. They can also be a source of stress and distress. Sometimes family members or friends can be hostile, overprotective or have too many demands, and they may not provide enough understanding and support or the right kind of help.
What can be helpful at one point in time can be distressing at another. Autistic people may not feel safe enough to unmask around family members. It can be helpful to communicate about the kinds of support that is most useful. It is also helpful to have a good understanding of one another.
Lateral aggression
Lateral aggression (also known as “lateral violence”) refers to harmful behaviours that happen within minority groups in society. For example, when an Autistic person experiences aggression or exclusion from others within the Autistic community. These aggressions can be verbal, social, emotional or physical and negatively affect mental health.
Lateral aggression occurs in interactions where there are disagreements and different perspectives. In some Autistic groups, social and communication challenges can make dealing with these types of interactions hard. Social communication challenges? can make some people more vulnerable to these aggressions.
Negative life events
Autistic people can be exposed to abuse, trauma, loss, rejection, bullying, harassment and exploitation in different environments (e.g., school, employment, health care or in public spaces). Just as positive life events can contribute to positive mental health, these harmful kinds of events can be a major cause of mental health problems. Discrimination can leave Autistic people stigmatised and affect their mental health.
Economic and legal disadvantage
Autistic people often experience financial and social disadvantages, such
as high rates of unemployment, job insecurity, food insecurity, homelessness and poverty. These disadvantages increase the chance of mental distress and mental health problems. Many Autistic people live at or below the poverty line.Some Autistic people may not be aware of their rights or may be denied their rights, making them more vulnerable. Autistic people may also not be taken seriously when they advocate for themselves.
The ability to speak up for oneself and the things that are important is c alled self-advocacy. This can be hard to do, and many Autistic people are not taught personal and community self-advocacy skills. They may have to rely on others to be advocates for them. Sometimes even asking for help can be difficult, and relying on other people can be distressing, as other people may not be willing to help.
Housing
When housing is inadequate, noisy, overcrowded or unavailable, maintain ing one’s well-being is more difficult. Having basic needs met—shelter, food and clothing—is needed for good physical health and positive mental health. Proper, accessible and affordable housing is important for physical and emotional well-being. Feeling safe helps to reduce stress and can lead to improved sleep and diet. Affordable independent housing is to a large degree not possible for many Autistic people because of the cost.
Transitions
There are many kinds of transitions. There are transitions that occur within a day or across situations. For example, school changes, going from one living situation to another or from one kind of activity to another can be big transitions. Transitions and changes can be highly stressful and can bring feelings of surprise and confusion. Changes are more easily handled when there are no surprises.
Distress can happen when the transition between supports is poorly managed. For example, when there is poor communication and planning, or when Autistic people feel they have little control over what happens to them during transitions. Because many Autistic people can feel anxious when there is uncertainty, poor planning and preparing for transitions can negatively affect mental health.