Teen Depression and Autism: Unique Challenges, Effective Strategies for Support
Upcoming Webinar
Airing Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm ET
In this webinar, you’ll learn how to recognize and respond to depression symptoms in autistic teens from our expert presenter, Sara Rodrigues, DSW, LICSW. We’ll explore practical strategies for assessment and treatment that respect sensory needs and individual communication styles. You’ll learn practical approaches to support your teen’s mental health, including building positive identity and developing personalized emotional recognition tools.
A place to learn
At Families for Depression Awareness (FFDA), we focus on the families of people living with depression or bipolar disorder ("mood disorders"), equipping family caregivers with education and training so they can provide effective, constructive support to their loved ones.
Mood disorders affect everyone in a family, not only those with the diagnosis. Each family member should be able to have their needs identified and addressed.
In addition to passing along a higher likelihood of having a mood disorder, parents living with a mood disorder can find it hard to engage with their children, take care of household chores, do their work, and sometimes even to get out of bed.
Family caregivers risk wearing themselves out as they help their loved one seek treatment, manage the household and the family, and try to keep a roof over their heads.
Since our beginning, we have shared family stories to help caregivers feel like they are not alone, show that families can address mood disorders together, inspire hope, and dispel stigma. Each year, we add to our library of honest and inspiring accounts of families facing the challenges of mood disorders and suicide.
Building Your Family Caregiver Toolkit: Strategies for Supporting Loved Ones to Get Well
Your self-care may take a back seat as you try to balance everything. Unfortunately, ignoring your own wellness often leads to stress, overwhelm, and, sometimes, your own battle with depression. This is where your caregiver toolkit can come in to provide hope and keep you well.
My Teen Won’t Talk With Me! Strategies for Building Trust and Communicating Effectively
For Parents and Other Caregivers, Youth Workers, and Caring Adults Interested in Building Trust with Their Teen and Communicating Effectively
What if I Say the Wrong Thing? Tips for Communicating When Your Loved One Is Depressed
For Caregivers, Family Members, Friends, and Caring Adults Interested in Adult Depression
Caregiver Conversations: Managing Crisis and Preventing Suicides
What can you do if a member of your family is having a mental health crisis or feeling suicidal? As a caregiver, with the right education and resources, you can help your family get through distressing situations and prevent suicide.