Autism is a form of neurodiversity, so it’s not something that always needs to be treated with medication management. However, medication can sometimes help autistic people manage their symptoms.
Treatment for autism may include psychiatric care and/or therapy, support groups, or skills training.
Autism psychiatrists are trained to identify and treat the mental health concerns that frequently accompany autism.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition. It’s typically identified in childhood, although many people aren’t diagnosed until later in life. Autism is often characterized by social challenges, restricted interests, and repetitive behavior.
However, because these symptoms exist on a spectrum, they vary in severity. Some people with autism can thrive with minimal support, finding strength in their neurodiversity and the unique ways their brains are wired.
Those with higher support needs, on the other hand, may need to work with a care team. This often includes a combination of medical and mental health providers. So, if you’ve ever wondered whether autism can be treated by a psychiatrist, know that the answer is a little complicated.
Autism isn’t the same as mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. While these conditions can exist alongside autism (and frequently do), autism is a neurodevelopmental difference. This means it’s a normal variation of the human brain. However, that doesn’t mean that autism psychiatrists can’t be an important part of a person’s care team.
So, if you or someone you care about has autism, learning more about autism psychiatry can help you decide if it’s something you want to explore.
When to see a psychiatrist about autism
Seeing a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) to help you manage your autism is a personal choice. But there are a few reasons you might want to consider it.
First, if you’re noticing possible autism symptoms, a psychiatrist can provide a diagnosis. These medical providers are especially skilled in navigating situations where a diagnosis may be complex. So, in addition to screening you for autism, they can identify any other mental health conditions you might be living with.
This is important because some autism symptoms can mirror other conditions. For example, let’s say you have significant social challenges that impact your daily functioning. You’re having trouble making friends and attending group events. A psychiatric provider can look at your symptoms and determine whether you have autism, social anxiety disorder (SAD), or both. This can help you avoid a misdiagnosis and streamline your path to effective care.
Another reason to see a psychiatrist about autism is if you’re living with a co-occurring mental health condition. Using our previous example, let’s say your provider determines that you have autism and social anxiety disorder. They can create a treatment plan that takes into account how these conditions may interact with one another. That way, you get well-rounded support for your mental health.
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How psychiatric treatment can help with autism
Autism is a form of neurodivergence. The challenges that autism can sometimes bring may feel reflective of a world built for neurotypical people. The goal of psychiatric treatment for autism isn’t to make autism go away. It’s to help people live fulfilling, independent lives.
Psychiatric providers can play a role in this process by:
Providing an accurate diagnosis and identifying co-occurring mental health conditions
Collaborating with their patients’ other providers (like therapists or primary care doctors) to ensure that everyone is aware of the treatment plan
Prescribing medications to treat co-occurring mental health conditions and monitoring their effectiveness over time
Providing referrals for other autism supports (like occupational therapists, social skills groups, or parenting resources)
Offering their patients a safe, confidential space to talk about their challenges and process their experiences
Four steps to see a psychiatrist for autism
If you’re interested in seeing a psychiatrist about autism, some steps to take include:
Verifying your coverage: If you have health insurance, check what kinds of psychiatric support your plan covers. You can call the number on the back of your insurance card or use your plan’s member portal to get this information.
Asking your existing doctor or therapist for a referral: You can say something like, “I’d like to see a psychiatrist who specializes in autism. Do you know someone with that kind of experience who I can speak with?”
Finding the right fit: Autism is a lifelong condition that can show up differently throughout a person’s life. If possible, try to find a psychiatrist who specializes in autism in adults or children, depending on your situation.
Advocating for yourself: During your first appointment, your provider will review your history and ask you questions. But keep in mind that this is a time for you to ask questions too. You can ask about their experience with autism or raise any other concerns you have. Having a provider who understands autism can help ensure that you get the right support for your needs.
A common misconception some patients with autism have is that medications will ‘fix’ them. This is not the case. Medication can significantly improve the symptoms of co-occurring conditions and irritability associated with autism. And therapy can help autistic people learn how to cope with certain challenges they may face.
Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC
Clinical reviewer
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As a form of neurodiversity, autism itself isn’t something that necessarily needs to be treated or cured. But that doesn’t mean that autistic people can’t benefit from outside support sometimes. In some cases, this includes working with an autism psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). These medical providers specialize in mental health and can help autistic people manage co-occurring conditions. They can also collaborate with a person’s care team to help them navigate cognitive, social, and behavioral differences.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Halee Fullerton, PMHNP-BC
Halee is a psychiatric nurse practitioner with experience treating children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in outpatient community health with children/adolescents as well as inpatient substance use disorder treatment. She currently sees patients via outpatient telehealth. Before becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, she worked in emergency rooms, medical-surgical units, long-term care facilities (including Alzheimer/dementia units) and the intensive care unit.
She chose a career in mental health because she wanted to help people and to contribute to breaking down stigma around mental health. She is especially passionate about working with people who are navigating substance use disorders, depressive disorders, and anxiety/trauma-related disorders. She has three labradoodles that she adores.
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