A prominent MP supported the launch of a smartphone app that helps autistic adults manage their anxiety.

This week, Harrow East MP Bob Blackman joined autistic campaigners and charities to celebrate the launch of Molehill Mountain by Autistica which utilises adapted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help people take charge of their own mental health.

Around 8 in ten people experience mental health problems such as anxiety and depression and understanding the reasons for certain symptoms can be key to managing them. However, many autistic people find existing resources and therapies are not adapted for their needs.

Harrow Times:

Molehill Mountain, which uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approaches, was designed by autistic developers and based on research from King’s College London and Autistica, the UK’s autism research charity.

Bob Blackman MP said: “It is concerning that so many autistic people experience mental health problems and can’t find support that meets their needs. 

“I’m delighted to support the Molehill Mountain app by Autistica and King’s College London. Hopefully, many people in Harrow will find it helpful.”

Jon Spiers, Chief Executive at Autistica, said: “Too often autistic people receive inappropriate anxiety support and sometimes they’re unable to access any support at all. 

“We wanted to offer something practical that can be used whenever and wherever it’s needed. Many autistic people have a real affinity with tech and our autistic testers and developers told us that personalisation was important, so an app seemed like the perfect solution.”

Molehill Mountain is available in the Apple App Store and an Android version is coming soon. The app is accompanied by a digital learning package on anxiety and autism, which is available from the Autistica website and includes an email course and supporting web content.
For more information go to www.molehillmountain.co.uk