Co-occurring Conditions That Can Impact Mental Health

Mental health issues are under recognized in individuals with developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or intellectual disability. These individuals are either untreated, undertreated or, more alarmingly, treated with ineffective or inappropriate methods.   Similarly, people experiencing a mental health condition may turn to alcohol or other drugs as a form of self-medication. Since this substance abuse can worsen the symptoms of mental illness it is essential that it be addressed when developing support plans.

Quintero & Flick, 2010; National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2017

Videos About Co-occurring Conditions That Can Impact Mental Health

Webinar by Orygen Mental Health explaining diagnosis, prevalence and features of each mental health condition in individuals with a diagnosis of autism.  Closed Captioned, 1:16 hours.
Students with a variety of learning differences describe how teachers can help them.  1:52 minutes.  
Discusses how ADHD effects the way the brain works.  Closed Captioned, 2:22 minutes.  
A psychiatrist outlines the complicated relationship between substance abuse and mental health. Closed Captioned, 1:03 minutes.  
Two psychologists explain comorbidity as it relates to children and adolescents. Closed Captioned, 28:02 minutes.  

40%of individuals with autism spectrum disorders have at least one anxiety disorder compared with 15% of the general population.  (National Autistic Society, 2018)

50% of teens with untreated mental health disorders will develop a substance use disorder.  (Miller, 2020)

1 in 3 At least 1 in 3 individuals with intellectual disabilities also have mental illness.  (Quintero & Flick, 2010)

More Information About Co-occurring Conditions That Can Impact Mental Health

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Information, training and support around the topic of individuals with communication disorders.
https://www.asha.org/

Autism Society of America
National support organization providing information, training and support.
https://www.autism-society.org/

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
National support organization providing information, training and support.
https://chadd.org/

Indiana Resource Center for Autism
Articles, training, resources and support for individuals across the lifespan, their families and professionals.
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca

Mental Health America
National support and advocacy organization with links to state branches and a variety of resources on a wide aspect of mental health co-occurring conditions.
https://www.mhanational.org/

Meridian Health Services Connxxions Program
Provider of quality mental health services to individuals with intellectual or developmental disorders (IDD) and mental health needs. Participants gain skills that foster independence and enrich their lives. 
View Service Locations and More: https://www.meridianhs.org/ 

National Center for School Mental Health
National Center for School Mental Health provide resources, training and tips for educators and parents.
http://www.schoolmentalhealth.org/

National Association of School Psychologists
Information and resources on a variety of co-occurring mental health and developmental conditions.
https://www.nasponline.org/

Partnership for Drug – Free Kids
Resources, research and training and support (including a helpline) for those facing addiction and their caregivers.
https://drugfree.org/

Principles of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment
National Institute on Drug Abuse resource listing warning signs, resources and strategies for parents and professionals.
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators 

Learning Disabilities Association of America
National support organization providing information, training and support.
https://ldaamerica.org/

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Information, training, grants, research and supports for professionals and families.
https://www.samhsa.gov/

Understanding Dual Diagnosis
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities provides a list of websites and books on the topic of supporting individuals who have both an intellectual disability and a mental health condition.
https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/filling-gap-georgia-access-point/understanding-dual-diagnosis