March 2018
By Elizabeth Roberts, Psy.D.
National Director of Clinical Support Services
Co-occurring mental health conditions are the rule rather than the exception in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A full 70% of individuals with ASD have one co-occurring condition; 40% have two or more. Living with autism is a journey, and in talking to families, I often rely on a travel metaphor in describing ASD as “carrying suitcases.” This word picture helps families understand that ASD is the central condition, in dynamic interplay with others, and sets the stage for an integrated, multi-pronged approach to intervention.