The Silent Battle: Caregiver Mental Health in the Realm of Autism

In the quiet corners of countless homes, a silent battle is being waged every single day. It’s not fought with weapons or on a battlefield. It’s fought within the hearts and minds of caregivers for those with profound autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD).

The mental health challenges these caregivers face are often overlooked. However, some studies say they’re as intense and real as those that war veterans or caregivers for terminally ill children face.

The Unexpected Battlefield

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are increasingly common for mothers of children with autism. Some researchers have compared the stress profiles to those of combat veterans.

That might seem shocking until you consider the constant stress these mothers face daily.

Unpredictable behaviors, communication barriers, and overwhelming needs are associated with profound autism. They can trigger a constant state of high alert.

Some compare those maternal cortisol levels to hypervigilance of a soldier on the battlefield. It’s a feeling of always on guard, always ready for the unexpected. Over time, this sustained state of stress can lead to PTSD. It manifests as intrusive thoughts or emotional numbness. Some people feel the need to avoid situations that remind them of traumatic experiences.

Stress Can Be Debilitating

Parents and caregivers of children with profound autism and ID/DD also share another similarity. Their mental health profiles can reflect higher levels of strain than those with parents of children with other disabilities. These caregivers experience chronic sorrow, anxiety, depression, and stress. It can be debilitating.

Some studies link these overwhelming feelings to caring for a child with a terminal illness. This comparison isn’t meant to equate autism with terminal illness. Instead, it highlights the significant emotional burden some caregivers carry. They grieve for the typical life their child might have had. They worry incessantly about their child’s future. They grapple with feelings of helplessness and exhaustion.

Understanding the Differences

It’s important to note that there are differences between DD (developmental disabilities), IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities), and autism. While autism can be classified as a DD or an IDD, not all DD/IDD diagnoses are autism. Autism is characterized by social interaction difficulties, communication challenges, and a tendency to engage in repetitive behaviors. However, the severity of these symptoms can vary greatly from one person to another. Autism exists on a spectrum, and it’s different for every child.

Recognizing Caregiver Burnout

The first step to providing better support is recognizing the burnout caregivers can face. Mental health professionals, friends, and family are starting to acknowledge the emotional war some caregivers fight.

Some caregivers find support through resources like respite care, peer support groups, and counseling. Some providers offer stress management strategies, and researchers are trying to better understand caregiver PTSD to come up with more effective interventions.

Recognizing burnout and offering resources and relief are part of supporting the autism community. The silent battle these caregivers face doesn’t have to be one they face alone. The road ahead may be long, but with increased awareness and support, together, we can make it a little less daunting for those who tread it every day.

Navigating Mental Health in Today’s Workforce: LEARN’s Perspective

Why Mental Health Is a Leadership Priority

As leaders, we hold a unique responsibility: shaping environments where people can thrive—not just in productivity, but also in well-being. Mental Health Awareness Month is a timely opportunity to reaffirm our role in normalizing conversations around mental health in the workplace and embedding care into the very fabric of our organizations.

Recognizing Mental Health Struggles in the Workplace

As a Chief Human Resources Officer, I’ve witnessed firsthand how employee mental health challenges show up in the workplace—often quietly, through disengagement, increased absenteeism, or strained team dynamics. Behind performance metrics are people navigating anxiety, burnout, caregiving responsibilities, or personal loss.

How Intentional Mental Health Support Transforms Organizations

I’ve also seen the powerful effect of intentional support: when organizations create space for vulnerability, provide access to care, and train leaders to respond with empathy, they transform not only individual well-being but organizational resilience. Mental health at work isn’t a “soft” issue—it’s a core business priority that shapes culture, productivity, and retention.

Mental Health in the Workplace: Key Stats Leaders Should Know

The Workforce Institute at UKG published a recent study reporting that 70% of people say their manager’s impact on employee mental health is greater than that of a healthcare provider or therapist—and equal to their spouse or partner.

The data is both concerning and motivating. According to the American Psychological Association (2023), 77% of employees have experienced work-related stress in the past month, and 57% report negative mental health impacts because of their job. The World Health Organization estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion each year in lost productivity.

A Multidimensional Approach to Supporting Employee Mental Health

Our approach must be multidimensional:

  • Normalize mental health in the workplace conversations by training managers to respond with empathy and equipping teams with mental health literacy. This creates psychological safety and gives managers tools to refer employees to appropriate resources.
  • Design benefits that reflect modern needs: Mental health apps, embedded mental health care, and inclusive time-off policies aren’t perks—they’re workforce essentials.
  • Embed mental health in leadership expectations: When executives model transparency, prioritize balance, and advocate for wellness, they shift culture more powerfully than any policy can.

HR’s Role in Supporting Mental Health at Work

HR is not merely a facilitator in this work. We are architects of the employee experience. When mental health at work is recognized as a key component in engagement, retention, and performance, Mental Health Awareness Month becomes more than a moment of recognition—it becomes a catalyst for sustained change.

LEARN’s Proactive Approach to Employee Mental Health Programs

At LEARN, we recognize the importance of addressing these challenges head-on. We have several key resources aimed at supporting our staff’s well-being and employee mental health programs:

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Our EAP is the first stop for accessing a variety of support services, including confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up care. Learn more at www.liveandworkwell.com.
  • Caregiving Network: Understanding the demands of caregiving in the midst of a growing shortage of childcare, we offer access to resources for finding caregivers through Care.com—for children, adults, or pets.
  • 24/7 Therapy Access: Through our benefits, employees have access to therapy services, including virtual options such as Talkspace, initiated through the EAP.
  • Well-Being Video Library: Our United at Work Health & Wellness ON DEMAND Videos cover more than 70 health-related topics, providing valuable information on everything from mental health to physical wellness. 

Creating a Culture of Mental Health and Support

As we continue shaping a workplace where people feel seen, supported, and valued, mental health at work must remain a core focus—not just during Mental Health Awareness Month, but every day. At LEARN, our commitment to well-being is more than a benefit—it’s a reflection of who we are. By caring for our people, we strengthen our teams, mission, and, ultimately, the communities we serve. If you’re struggling, know that support is available—and reaching out is a sign of strength.

Our Heart Goes Out to Texas

Resources for families in the wake of Tuesday’s tragedy in Uvalde, Texas

We all have been impacted by yesterday’s devastating tragedy in Uvalde, Texas. In times like these, we are often feeling many things like anger, anxiety, fear, grief, and sadness. It can be incredibly difficult as a parent or caregiver to know how to support your young loved ones and how to explain such a terrifying situation to them. We wanted to provide you with some resources to help your family navigate this difficult time.

Websites 

Visit the links below to learn how you can support your child when tragedy happens:

How to talk to children about shootings: An age-by-age guide

How to talk to your kids about the Uvalde school shooting

Texas school shooting: How to help kids get through unspeakable horror

15 Tips for Talking with Children About Violence

Helping children cope: Tips for talking about tragedy

How To Talk To Kids About Tragedies in the Media

5 tips for talking about violence and tragedy with your young child

How to Comfort Your Child After a School Shooting

COPING IN THE AFTERMATH OF A SHOOTING

Talking With Children

Helping Children and Adolescents Cope With Traumatic Events

Books (available on Amazon)

The following stories aren’t related specifically to mass or school shootings but can help children see that they can take proactive steps to confront something terrifying.

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

Come With Me by Holly McGhee

After the Fall by Dan Santat

Social Stories

Social Story About Safety Drills in School

Social Story About Death and Dying by Autism Little Learners