2021 Symposium for Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity

According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences a mental illness, and 17% of youth experience a mental health disorder. Mental health does not discriminate and can affect all adults and children in all walks of life. Mental health can have a significant impact on people, but at times, research is suggesting that it has an even greater effect on people with disabilities. Our review of literature is focused on mental illness and specifically, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As the research suggests, people with ASD have differences from those without disabilities, especially in the way that they manage their mental health. One major difference is the way that individuals with ASD process their feelings and emotions while managing their mental health. Our research focuses on best practices to support individuals who live with both ASD and a mental illness. This literature review will support pre-service and current practicing teachers with the knowledge to support individuals living with ASD and mental illnesses.