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Knowledge, perceptions, and use of psychedelics for mental health among autistic adults: An online survey

Summary

This survey studied how autistic adults feel about using psychedelics like psilocybin mushrooms for mental health. Nearly 70% of participants had tried psychedelics before and most found them helpful for anxiety and depression. Many participants were interested in trying them or participating in research, though legal and practical barriers stood in the way. The study suggests that psychedelics could be a promising treatment option for autistic people with mental health challenges.

Background

Autistic individuals experience co-occurring mental health conditions at higher rates than neurotypical peers but are frequently excluded from clinical trials. Psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA have shown promise for treating mental health conditions in neurotypical populations, but their therapeutic potential for autistic individuals remains largely unexplored.

Objective

This study aimed to explore autistic adults’ knowledge, perceptions, and experiences with psychedelics in relation to co-occurring mental health conditions. The research examined participants’ willingness to use psychedelics for treatment, past experiences, and barriers to access.

Results

Of 424 participants who began the survey, 261 completed it. Nearly 78% expressed willingness to try psychedelics, and 70% reported past use, predominantly psilocybin mushrooms. Higher doses and highly meaningful experiences correlated with longer-lasting mental health improvements. Barriers included legal concerns, health risks, and logistical challenges.

Conclusion

Autistic adults demonstrated strong interest in psychedelics as potential mental health treatments despite significant access barriers. Results highlight the importance of education, policy reform, and inclusive research practices. Findings should be interpreted cautiously given the self-selecting sample nature.
  • Published in:PLOS Mental Health,
  • Study Type:Cross-sectional Survey,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pmen.0000514, PMC12798463
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