Service-level feasibility analysis of a mental health monitoring program for autistic college students

Screening for mental health concerns is essential to identify individuals whose risk would otherwise go unnoticed. Recognizing the need to address growing mental health concerns among autistic college students, we implemented a mental health screening and monitoring protocol within a university program devoted to supporting autistic college students. This article describes the process and service-level feasibility of implementing this program over the course of one academic year at a large public university in the Northeast United States. Anxiety, depression, and suicide risk were measured at four time points. Students with elevated risk of mental health symptoms were connected to mental health supports and received suicide risk assessments. Thirty-two individuals took part in the monitoring process across the academic year. The monitoring process identified 53 instances where monitoring, checking-in, or a risk assessment was indicated. Fourteen risk assessments occurred, and 12 students received at least one mental health referral. Leveraging interdisciplinary collaborations, the mental health monitoring program was able to connect numerous autistic college students facing mental health challenges to clinical resources. Rates of follow-up and referral highlight the significance of monitoring. Attention to the feasible integration of mental health supports into existing academic support programs for autistic students is warranted.