Did you know that as many as 70% of people with autism experience co-occurring mental health issues? Some of the most common issues are anxiety and depression, although bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other conditions are common as well.

Mental Health Through SEL

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) has established guidelines for promoting mental health through social and emotional learning (SEL). CASEL's Foundations of SEL state that “promoting responsive relationships, emotionally safe environments, and skills development, SEL cultivates important 'protective factors' to buffer against mental health risks.”

Explore CASEL’s school and district guidance for more ways to foster students’ mental health through academic, social, emotional, and behavioral supports.

Social-Emotional Learning Activities

Consider using our free “How are you feeling?” activities to start conversations about identifying emotions and to support students’ emotional well-being. 

Our social-emotional lessons in Themes First! are also great resources. Check out this free “Winter Wonderland” group activity to help students identify emotions and understand how feelings can change.

Finally, help students to start conversations and build rewarding friendships with our free Compliment Starters.

New SEL Curriculum Coming Soon!

We’ve been developing a brand-new curriculum that focuses on SEL. Stay tuned for more updates as we launch this exciting new product!

Be sure to check out November’s episode of the Autism Annex podcast, where we’ll be highlighting clinical approaches to mental health for people with autism.