Can you be hospitalized for autism?

Children or teens with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often come to hospitals when behavioral episodes overwhelm their caregivers at home. A new study identifies which factors put young people with autism at high risk of seeking inpatient psychiatric care.

Can an autistic child be institutionalized?

Children with ASD or ID and serious emotional or behavioral challenges can be treated in general inpatient psychiatric units, with specific accommodations.

Why would you be sent to a mental hospital?

Common problems like depression and anxiety, drug and alcohol problems. Even less common things like schizophrenia. One of the reasons people come into hospital is things like suicidal ideas where there’s a real risk and danger.

What does Level 3 autism mean?

ASD level 3 is characterized by severe challenges in social communication as well as extremely inflexible behavior. Children with level 3 autism will be nonverbal or have the use of only a few words of intelligible speech. Initiation of social interaction is very limited, as well as response to others.

What do you say to get admitted to a mental hospital?

“I am suicidal, I have a plan and I do not feel safe leaving here. My psychiatrist asked me to come here for admission for personal safety feeling I am a grave danger to myself.” That statement will get you back to the psychiatric part of the emergency department.

Should I be committed to a mental hospital?

If you are actively suicidal or homicidal, then you should check yourself into a mental hospital. If you are actively hallucinating or if you are unable to get your mood swings under control in an outpatient setting, then inpatient treatment is probably appropriate.

What rights do people with autism have in a mental hospital?

For people that have been in a mental health hospital, there are particular rights to ‘aftercare’ in s. 117 of the Mental Health Act. Contact our Autism Inpatient Mental health casework service for advice in England on preventing or challenging detention and securing the care and support autistic people need in their communities

What happens when an autistic person is in a hospital?

Some autistic people find themselves at risk of admission into, or in mental health hospitals (or assessment and treatment units), where they do not receive appropriate support. Sadly, once someone is in an inpatient setting, it can be very hard to get back home.

Is autism a mental illness?

Although it is true that autism is not a mental illness, Autistic people do experience co-occurring mental health conditions and ignoring them only diminishes the quality of life of Autistic adults and family members.

Where can I find support for autistic people detained in England?

Contact our Autism Inpatient Mental health casework service for advice in England on preventing or challenging detention and securing the care and support autistic people need in their communities Email our policy team to find out more about our latest mental health campaigns or visit our Campaigns page.