The Mental Health Status of Japanese High School Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder Tendency

Abstract

Compared to elementary and junior high schools, the development of a high school support system for special needs education has been delayed. Among adolescents, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characteristics can be a risk factor for mental health. This study examined the relationship between degree of ASD tendency and mental health status in high school students. Results show that the higher the ASD tendency, the worse the mental health status. The study demonstrates that mental health status can be estimated using the level of ASD tendency. It was also suggested that the correlation would be observed regardless of the degree of ASD knowledge of the teachers involved. Results also suggest that high schools need special support for students with ASD tendency, regardless of the presence or absence of ASD diagnosis. Since almost none of the high school teachers in charge have adequate knowledge to recognize and support students with high ASD tendency, it is necessary for them to undergo training according to their degree of ASD knowledge and have a support system.