A range of resources for parents, carers, and professionals on supporting neurodiverse individuals.
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Neurodiversity Suicide Prevention Hub - Autism
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that affects how individuals communicate, interact socially, and process information. It exists on a spectrum, meaning the traits and challenges experienced can vary widely from person to person.
Research shows that autistic people are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and also suicidal thoughts. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among autistic people and up to 66% of autistic adults have thought about suicide at some point in their life. (Hedley, D., & Uljarević, M. 2018)
Individuals with autism are at a higher risk of suicide due to a combination of social, emotional, and psychological factors. The challenges they face, including difficulty in social interactions, sensory sensitivities, and communication barriers, can lead to feelings of isolation, misunderstanding, and frustration. Many individuals with autism also experience co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
The lack of adequate support, stigma, and societal expectations that may not accommodate neurodiverse needs can make these more challenging to live with.
Autism traits
People who are on the Autism spectrum may display a broad range of traits. These include:
Social interactions
- Feeling anxious or awkward in social situations
- Having trouble understanding what others are thinking or feeling
- Preferring to be alone
- Difficulty making or maintaining friendships
- Having difficulty understanding social rules or cues
Verbal and nonverbal communication
- Discomfort in social situations, difficulty making eye contact
- Responding to conversations in a blunt way
- Taking things literally
Repetitive behaviours
- Having the same routine every day, or feeling distressed about change
- Noticing small details or patterns that peers wouldn’t, sensitivity to sensations that others can’t feel, hear or smell.
- Having very intense and specific interests
Masking
Some autistic adults will camouflage their autism symptoms to fit in, be accepted by others, and to ease distress in every day life. This can be conscious or unconscious behaviour, and is often known as masking.
While this behaviour is helpful, studies show that autistic people who mask may also be at higher risk of anxiety, depression and suicidal behaviours.
Women with autism may be more likely to:
- Have learned to hide signs of autism to ‘fit in’
- Be quieter and hide their feelings
- Appear to cope better with social situations
- Display fewer signs of repetitive behaviours
Space
The needs of autistic people can be understood through the following key needs and challenges.
Space itself is also a common need for autistic people. This includes physical space, emotional space, and the space to process new information, particularly unexpected change.
Sensory needs
Many autistic people have heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory stimuli, making certain environments overwhelming or uncomfortable.
Predictability
Autistic Individuals often thrive in structured environments where routine and expectations are clear.
Acceptance
Feeling accepted for who they are, without judgement or pressure to confirm, is crucial for well-being.
Communication
Autistic individuals may face challenges in verbal and non-verbal communication, benefitting from support to express themselves and understand others.
Empathy
Autistic people need to receive empathy from others, understanding that their experiences and challenged may be different but equally valid.
Are you struggling?
If you are having suicidal thoughts, remember that these feelings are temporary, and help is available. It may be hard to talk about these feelings, but there are ways to keep yourself safe.
One important step is to make a safety plan. This could include a list of people you can contact, like family, friends, or a therapist, and activities that help calm you, like going for a walk, using sensory tools, or doing grounding exercises to feel more in control.
It’s also important to reach out to others when you’re feeling unable to stay safe. If talking is hard, try writing your feelings down in a text or email, or speaking to a professional through a helpline or chat service. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and people care about you and want to support you.
Taking care of your mental health is also key. Consider finding a mental health professional who understands autism and can help you with coping strategies.
Be kind to yourself – recognise that it’s okay to struggle at times. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and there are many people and resources ready to support you. You can find these below
Stay Alive app
Download our NHS recommended app if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or concerned about someone. There are over 800 resources to help you stay safe for now.
National Autistic Society
Trained volunteers run support, information and social activities for autistic adults, children and their families in their local area.
- Call 0808 500 2222
- Free online chat
National Autistic Society - directory
A directory of UK-wide or local organisations and services that are specifically for, or have adapted their services, to meet the needs of autistic people and/or their families.
National Autistic Society - mental health hub
Advice and guidance on a range of topics related to autism and mental health.
Emergency Chat
Emergency Chat is an app can be used in any situation where speech is impossible but communication is still necessary.
Molehill Mountain
Molehill Mountain is an app to help autistic people understand and self-manage the symptoms and causes of anxiety.
Autistica - mental health & autism
A downloadable guide to looking after your mental health, produced by the UK’s leading autism research and campaigning charity.
Ambitious About Autism
Information and practical support for children, young people and families, as well as specialist education and employment programmes.
Contact your GP
They will help you get support from the right services and will sometimes take appointments over the phone.
- Find your GP contact details
- If your GP practice is closed or unavailable, call NHS 111
- Visit the NHS 111 website
Autism Safety Plan
Our Autism Suicide Safety Plan and Communication Tool are designed to be completed when you’re feeling stable, so you have a clear, supportive resource to refer to in times of crisis. This tool includes emergency contacts, helpful prompts, and practical steps to guide you through difficult moments, offering a sense of safety and control. By filling out the plan in advance, you can feel more prepared and confident in reaching out for support when needed.
For an extended Autism Safety Plan, including a broad range of communication tools and resources, download the Autism-Adapted-Safety Plan developed by Newcastle University.
Accessing a diagnosis
For many people, a diagnosis can provide a person with helpful insight and clarity, also opening doors to further support. If you suspect you are autistic, speak to a GP.
It’s not always easy to get an assessment and waiting times can be long, although there are often several routes to access an assessment. It can be helpful to consider other options for support in the meantime.
For information on how to access an assessment through the NHS visit their dedicated page here.
Are you supporting someone?
Be patient, listen actively, and avoid dismissing their emotions. It can help to use clear, direct language without being afraid of the conversation. Offer reassurance that their feelings are valid and let them know you are there to support them.
Consider that some autistic people experience alexithymia (challenges in recognizing, expressing, feeling, sourcing, and describing emotions) or may mask their feelings so may not outwardly portray their distress through tone of voice or facial expressions.
Keep language direct and specific, avoid using shorthand terms or colloquialisms as these may be misinterpreted.
Sometimes routines or sensory overload can heighten anxiety, so working together to manage these can make a big difference. Just being there consistently can offer much-needed comfort during such a difficult time.
If someone struggles to speak on the phone or face-to-face, try and suggest services which are available online, by messenger, or by text. You can find a list of services below.
Stay Alive app
Download our NHS recommended app if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or concerned about someone. There are over 800 resources to help you stay safe for now.
Autism Central
Advice and support for parents and carers of children, young people and adults.
Child Autism
Dedicated to helping children with autism achieve their potential, they provide services and advice to families who have an autistic child.
- Learn more
- Call 01344 882248
Autistica
Advice and guidance for those supporting an autistic person experiencing distress or a meltdown.
National Autistic Society - Good Practice Guide
Produced in collaboration with Mind, this guide aims to help mental health professionals adapt talking therapies for autistic adults and children.
The ADHD Foundation
Expert-led training for professionals offering practical strategies across a wide range of subjects and many areas of neurodiversity.
NHS
The NHS ADHD pages provide information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and support for individuals with autism.
Real stories
Greta Thunberg, environmentalist
Greta Thunberg has openly discussed her neurodiversity, identifying as being on the autism spectrum. Her neurodivergence contributes to her unique perspective and determination in tackling the climate crisis with dedication.
“When I felt the most sad, I didn’t know that I had autism. I just thought, I don’t want to be like this. The diagnosis was almost only positive for me. It helped me get the support I needed and made me understand why I was like this.”
Chris Packham, naturalist & presenter
Chris Packham has spoken publicly about his diagnosis of autism.
In this short clip, he discusses some of the challenges and barriers that autism can pose, as well as the benefits that neurological uniqueness brings to his life.
What I struggle with as an autistic adult
Samantha Stein opens up about the daily struggles she faces as an autistic adult. Despite appearing to cope well on the outside, she reveals the intense inner world of noise and difficulty she experiences. Her video sheds light on the challenges of navigating life with autism, highlighting the contrast between external appearances and internal realities.
Watch on Youtube now.
Stories of hope - Ella
“I remember being completely overwhelmed and visiting my GP to ask for help. I am autistic (though I did not know it at the time), and I was not coping very well in an overwhelming world.
When I was identified as autistic, all of a sudden, all the pain, the overwhelm, and despair made sense. I hadn’t been the problem, but just a mismatch between the world and myself. Now, I live in an environment where I can cope and be myself more. This has been hugely beneficial for my mental health and well-being. I feel I have a future now and I understand how to look after myself.”
Find advice and sources of support for other aspects of neurodiversity.
Learn more about how to have a conversation with someone at risk of suicide.