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People on the autism spectrum are particularly vulnerable to secondary mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Most people said they had experienced depression in late adolescence/early adult life and several people had occasionally felt suicidal.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Depression >> Depression

People on the autism spectrum are particularly vulnerable to secondary mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Most people said they had experienced depression in late adolescence/early adult life and several people had occasionally felt suicidal.

• >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Health and depression >> Health and depression

Health and depression

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Health and depression >> Health and depression

Health and depression

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• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Richard and Sue - Interview 10 >> Having seen a psychiatrist who did not make the diagnosis Richard and Sue did their own research and managed to get an out of area referral to a speci

Richard was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome seven years ago after being referred to a specialist diagnostic centre. He is working hard to change aspects of his behaviour for his wife and family.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Sam – Interview 17b >> Sam is more optimistic about the balance between socialising and being on his own.

Sam was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome two years ago. He is studying for a PhD and lives by himself.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Richard and Sue - Interview 10 >> Sue talks about the profound impact it has had on their children growing up with a father on the spectrum.

Richard was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome seven years ago after being referred to a specialist diagnostic centre. He is working hard to change aspects of his behaviour for his wife and family.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> James - Interview 49 >> James became significantly depressed as a child and ended up in a psychiatric ward.

James was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 12 years old. After spending some time in a psychiatric ward, James went to a specialist unit on the site of a mainstream school and is now in his third year studying psychology at university.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Peter - Interview 50 >> Peter has found a support organisation helpful in finding employment.

Peter, aged 33, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome three years ago. He is seeing a psychologist regularly which helps him with depression and he is finding life is getting easier over time.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> John - Interview 52 >> John became depressed when he stopped working and felt that everything was pointless.

John, 65, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 62. He had a series of jobs and started some university courses over the years but is now unemployed and fills up his days ‘by wasting time’.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Daniel and Margaret - Interview 54 >> Margaret constantly worries about Daniel killing himself after he took an overdose a few years ago.

Daniel was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 11 years old. He does voluntary work one day a week and Margaret runs a support group for people with Asperger syndrome.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Neil and Catherine - Interview 55 >> Someone online suggested Catherine may have Asperger syndrome after years of seeing doctors and psychiatrists.

Catherine, 27, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was 23. She works part time as a volunteer gardener.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Neil and Catherine - Interview 55 >> Catherine was worried before getting the diagnosis but mostly she felt relief at no longer having to see doctors.

Catherine, 27, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was 23. She works part time as a volunteer gardener.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Neil and Catherine - Interview 55 >> Catherine wrote a letter to her mum saying she wanted to kill herself and had years of therapy before Asperger syndrome was diagnosed.

Catherine, 27, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was 23. She works part time as a volunteer gardener.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Mark - Interview 58 >> Mark describes how he resolved to do “normal people things” after taking an overdose during the sixth form.

Mark, 27, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 26. He is returning to university to study economics and accountancy.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Simon – Interview 16b >> An expert in autism has helped Simon deal with his depression.

Simon, aged 22 was diagnosed with autism when he was 5 years old. He has developed his own strategies to cope during social situations. Simon is interested in animals and aims to find employment in this area. Simon does talks on autism to help people to understand.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Russell – Interview 07b >> Russell would prefer a cure for his depression rather than daily medication.

Russell was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 12 years old. His awareness of potential difficulties is increasing as he grows older and more aware. Russell describes himself as being prone to outbursts and is taking anti-depressants.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> John – Interview 08b >> John has concentration problems that have been eased with antidepressants but he would like further help.

After having a lot of contact with mental health services over the years, John was diagnosed with mild Asperger syndrome aged 45. Previous employment has proved problematic for John and he feels employers should be more aware of Asperger syndrome.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Christopher – Interview 14b >> Christopher says finding a decent mental health service is like trying to find the Scarlett Pimpernel.

Christopher, 17, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 14. Family is very important to Christopher and he will soon start college to do A-Levels in history and law.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Simon – Interview 16b >> Simon became depressed in his third year at college and found that people didn’t respect each other’s views in the class.

Simon, aged 22 was diagnosed with autism when he was 5 years old. He has developed his own strategies to cope during social situations. Simon is interested in animals and aims to find employment in this area. Simon does talks on autism to help people to understand.