Call to Strengthen Autism Mental Health Services in Iceland

2026-03-04 - 11:05

A psychiatrist in Iceland is urging stronger mental health services for autistic people. Dagur Bjarnason, a psychiatrist and senior physician at Capital Region Health Care, says access to support remains uneven despite significant need. As reported by RÚV, he warns that some individuals are struggling to access appropriate care within the current system. What's the Story? Call by psychiatrist Dagur Bjarnason of Capital Region Health Care for stronger mental health services for autistic people in Iceland Cases described where autistic individuals seeking care from general mental health teams and specialised neurodevelopmental services were both refused Neurodevelopmental disorders mental health team identified as the only specialised service of its kind nationwide The National University Hospital (Landspítali). Photo: Facebook. Care gaps highlighted Speaking ahead of a programme on Kveikur on RÚV, Dagur described cases where autistic individuals have been unable to obtain mental health services from either general teams or specialised services. “The societies we have perhaps created here in the Western world in recent decades may not necessarily be very autism-friendly,” he said. “We see that this particular group is falling between the ship and the dock.” The neurodevelopmental disorders mental health team is currently the only service of its kind in Iceland and treats patients nationwide. According to Dagur, many autistic people experience additional mental health conditions, including anxiety, mood disorders and psychotic disorders. Studies indicate that around 70% of autistic people experience mental illness. “In my world, these individuals, just like everyone else, should have access to first-line, second-line, and third-line mental health services,” he said. Dagur also called for expanded staffing, greater professional training and more specialised services, including rehabilitation day programmes designed for autistic individuals. Further reporting on healthcare and society in Iceland can be found in Iceland Review’s coverage of Icelandic society.