Too many people detained in mental health units are autistic. Many are stuck for years at a time, getting worse not better. That's why we've launched our campaign: Break the Cycle. Because with the right support and understanding we can offer hope of a better future.
Stuck in a vicious cycle
There are currently 1,335 autistic children and adults detained in inpatient mental health units. And this number is rising. Autistic people and people with a learning disability have an average length of stay of five and a half years.
The noise and chaos of these units can make autistic people more distressed, and with a lack of understanding and personalised care, they don’t get better. So they’re trapped for years on end. If they leave, they aren’t properly supported in the community, so often return.
They are trapped in a cycle that destroys lives.
Breaking the cycle
With the right support and understanding, we can break the cycle and offer hope of a happy and healthy future for every autistic person.
We need prevention to stop autistic people reaching crisis, by giving them effective support in the community.
We need understanding to train healthcare staff to understand autism, and most importantly, to understand each person.
We need evidence to ensure that therapies, training and services are effective for autistic people.
It was quieter in my cupboard when there was chaos on the ward. I'd sit in there banging my head to self-regulate and dull the noise.
Priya was admitted to inpatient mental health units four times between the ages of 13 and 15
How you can help break the cycle
Whether you campaign, share knowledge or contribute to research, Your voice can help break the cycle.
Write to your MP
Write to your MP, using our letter template and call for:
1. A research action plan as promised in the 2021 Autism Strategy
2. Investment in support to prevent autistic people reaching crisis
3. Action on the the long waits for diagnosis, and lack of support after diagnosis
Learn about supporting autistic people in a meltdown or shutdown
We think it’s important that everyone understands how to support an autistic person who is overwhelmed and having a meltdown or shutdown so that they are able to help the person, and educate others.
Learn how to helpRegister to take part in research
Your experiences are valuable. The Autistica Network brings together autistic people, families, professionals and researchers to do bigger and better research. And a major focus of this research is mental health.
Join the Autistica Network