Support for Depression

Addressing depression in autistic children and young people requires a comprehensive and individualised approach.

Supportive strategies include:

• Early Detection: Caregivers, educators, and healthcare professionals should be vigilant for signs of depression and initiate appropriate assessments and support methods if concerns arise.
• Structure & Routine: Create a regular routine that incorporates exercise, calming activities and other daily tasks. Be generous with time allocated for daily tasks, depression can elongate time needed to complete tasks.
• Exercise: Regular exercise (e.g. going for a walk in nature) can increase feel-good chemicals in the brain and alleviate depression. Aerobic exercise (e.g. running) for at least 30 minutes three to five days per week is thought to greatly reduce depressive symptoms.
• Communication and Expression: Encourage the use of alternative communication methods, such as visual supports or assistive technologies, to help children and young people express feelings and emotions.

• Visual support strategies can play a crucial role in establishing structure and routine throughout the day, enhancing comprehension and minimising confusion. They also prove instrumental in navigating change and facilitating smooth transitions. Some young people prefer to use text, objects or symbols to communicate how they feel.

• For detailed guidance on incorporating visual supports, refer to the National Council for Special Education’s resource: “Using Visuals to Support Communication“.

• Sensory Considerations: Create a supportive environment that takes into account sensory sensitivities and provides opportunities for sensory regulation.
  • Provide a range of activities to encourage regulation and embrace a co-regulation approach. Some individuals may require additional support in recognising their needs (https://www.kelly-mahler.com).
• Relaxation and Calming Techniques: Encourage children and young people to explore relaxation methods such as calm breathing, mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, and outdoor physical exercise. Mindfulness-based activities can help children and young people recognise physical sensations, establishing a connection between emotions or events and corresponding bodily experiences.

• Journaling: It can be helpful for the autistic child or young person to write or draw some of their thoughts. This can help family and medical professionals to know the situations or feelings which make the person feel depressed. 
• Speak to the GP: Some autistic adults report going to the doctor can be stressful as their needs are not understood. However, if you are concerned a child or young person is experiencing signs of depression it is important to seek medical advice and assessment.
• Talking Therapy: support from a therapy can help children and young people to explore and understand their emotions and build coping tools to manage depression. There is some evidence to support the use of talking therapy with autistic people such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Using an adapted or modified CBT approach can be effective however more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in treating depression in autism.

Supportive Environments: Schools can proactively adapt their environments to reduce everyday stressors which contribute to depressive feelings. This includes:

• Implementing clear visual supports for minimizing confusion and supporting clear communication. Providing predictability in the school day to help reduce uncertainty
• Consideration of individual preferences and sensory profiles.
• Access to quiet or calm spaces, particularly during break and lunchtime, to promote a supportive atmosphere.
• Provide opportunities for engagement in special interest or social interactions the child or young person prefers, to help build positive relationships and reduce feelings of isolation.
• Engage in collaborative partnerships involving parents, educators, therapists, and mental health professionals to develop tailored support plans.

Depression in autistic children and young people is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires understanding, early detection, and specialised support. Raising awareness about depression in the context of autism is vital to create a more inclusive and empathetic society that supports the mental health of all individuals.