Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) experience co-occurring anxiety and depression at a rate of 14.4%-39.6%, are at a higher risk of maltreatment and have increased exposure to ACES ( adverse childhood experiences), trauma & stress while also having unmet mental healthcare needs. Autistic youth from racially/ethnically underrepresented populations and those living in low-resourced environments have access issues in reaching evidence-based mental health treatment. The disproportionately low number of AA and Latin therapists is also an impediment: only 9% of psychologists identify as AA or Latin when these identities account for 31% of the US population. Mental health care via telehealth may improve access to care for underrepresented youth with ASD, yet little research has identified how effective virtual therapy is for those with ASD. A critical need exists to evaluate the effectiveness of telehealth for neurodiverse youth.

Deepa Menon
Kennedy Krieger Institute
United States

Kathryn Van Eck
Kennedy Krieger Institute
United States