The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn significant attention to people’s mental health and well-being and the need for effective and accessible mental health supports. However, even prior to the pandemic, it was recognised that autistic individuals (and individuals with other neurodevelopmental conditions) experience elevated rates of mental health challenges, with few tailored, effective or accessible supports available to them. In this keynote, I shall explore research which aims to identify and understand mental health in the context of neurodiversity, and evaluate which, if any, models, measures or interventions take neurotype into account. As part of this, I will explore evidence for factors which may enhance or prevent a neurodivergent individual experiencing mental health challenges and consider how and why these may differ from those reported within neurotypical individuals. I will close by considering how far the research in this area can inform clinical pathways to improved mental health and wellbeing for neurodivergent individuals now, or in the future.

Keywords: autism, psychology, therapy, disability, anxiety