Exploring the integration of psychedelic-assisted therapy and digital mental health interventions in trauma recovery for underserved adults with high-functioning autism

Trauma-related disorders and substance use are disproportionately underdiagnosed and undertreated in individuals with High-Functioning Autism (Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder), particularly those in underserved or marginalized communities. Emerging evidence suggests that psychedelic-assisted therapies-including psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine-offer promising outcomes in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and addiction. Concurrently, digital mental health interventions, such as AI-driven cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) applications and telepsychiatry platforms, are being expanded to improve behavioral health access among racial/ethnic minorities, rural populations, and Medicaid beneficiaries. However, the intersection of these novel treatment modalities with the unique neuropsychological profiles and care needs of high-functioning autistic individuals remains critically underexplored. This review synthesizes current evidence on the therapeutic potential and limitations of both psychedelic-assisted interventions and digital mental health tools in addressing trauma and addiction recovery in underserved adults with high-functioning autism. The paper explores how trauma manifests uniquely in this population-often masked by compensatory behaviors or misinterpreted as autistic traits-and evaluates the ethical, clinical, and cultural implications of integrating these interventions. Barriers to care, including digital literacy, trial access inequities, and a lack of neurodiversity-informed treatment frameworks, are also examined. The review concludes by proposing a hybrid, culturally responsive, and neurodevelopmentally sensitive care model that leverages digital accessibility and the transformational potential of psychedelics to enhance trauma healing outcomes in high-functioning autistic populations across underserved settings.