Autistic People with Co-Occurring Psychological Conditions: Prevalence and Perspectives from Autistics, Their Families, and Professionals

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the experiences and challenges faced by autistics who also have co-occurring psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, and gender dysphoria. The topic of autistics with co-occurring psychological conditions is currently of particular importance to the field of autism research because research has shown that a significant proportion of autistics also have co-occurring psychological conditions. However, these co-occurring conditions are often overlooked or misdiagnosed, which can lead to inappropriate or ineffective treatment. This book fills a critical gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive resource that addresses the specific needs of this population. This book aims to increase understanding and awareness of these co-occurring conditions among autistics, their families, caregivers, and mental health professionals.

Dr. Gabriel Bennett, the pen name for Dr. Matthew Bennett, holds a Ph.D. in Disability Studies from Flinders University, Australia. He has lectured in Disability Studies at Griffith University, Queensland. He has also advised the Australian Government’s Autism CRC and has published articles for the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. He is actively involved in supporting autistics to achieve their potential in society by disseminating his knowledge about the autism spectrum via lectures, conference presentations, and publications.

Dr Emma Goodall is an adjunct research fellow at the University of Southern Queensland, holds a Ph.D. in Education, focused on teaching students on the autism spectrum. She is an executive member of the Australian Society for Autism Research, independent researcher through Healthy Possibilities, a published author, and a keynote speaker in the areas of autism, sexuality and relationships, education, and interoception.