Neurodiversity and mental health

This rapid literature review presents the evidence for the development of the Equitable Access to Wellbeing Framework (Te Pou, 2022) which describes the
competencies needed for people in the mental health and addiction sector working with people who have an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder.
The current review discusses available research on the mental health and addiction needs of people with an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder, including

• their experiences of mental health challenges and problematic substance use
• challenges with accessing support and services
• the need for more local evidence and data
• what people with an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder want from services.

The last section looks at existing competency frameworks for supporting people experiencing mental health challenges and problematic substance use who have an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder.