Answer this question to the best of your ability:
How does discrimination contribute to the mental health challenges faced by autistic individuals?
Discrimination, which involves treating someone unfairly based on their characteristics or traits, can lead to various negative outcomes for autistic individuals in terms of their mental health. Discrimination may manifest as a lack of access to necessary resources, such as appropriate education or healthcare services, or it might involve encountering negative attitudes and beliefs from others. This can result in feelings of alienation, frustration, and helplessness. Over time, these emotions can contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).