Resources for Autistic Oklahomans, Caregivers, Educators, & Providers

Suicide Prevention & Awareness

The Statistics

Autistic individuals can experience an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Research suggests that autistic people have a significantly higher risk of suicide than the general population. Recognizing changes in behavior, communication, and emotional well-being can help families, caregivers, educators, and professionals intervene early.

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among autistic people.

Females with ASD are more than 3X as likely to die from suicide as their neurotypical peers.
Autistic people are 6X more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.
Twice-exceptional youth—children who have a diagnosis of autism and who also have exceptional cognitive ability—are at increased risk of suicidal thoughts.
The highest rate of suicide attempts and death by suicide among autistic people are those who do not have an intellectual disability.
About 1 in 10 autistic individuals who also have ADHD have attempted suicide.
Autistic children with an IQ of 120 or higher are 6x more likely to have thoughts of suicide.
Young people with ASD are at twice the risk of suicide than young people without ASD.
Individuals with ASD were less likely than others to die from firearm‐related suicides.
Up to 66% of autistic people have considered suicide.
Autistic children are bullied 3-4 times as often as their neurotypical peers.
Co-occurring mental health conditions can increase an autistic person’s suicide risk.
41% to 50% of autistic kids have 2 or more mental health conditions.

References: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, medicine.uiowa.edu, Sparkforautism.org, spectrumnews.org, Researchautism.org

Warning Signs

Sudden or increased withdrawal

No words to communicate acute distress
Current traumatic event reported by self or others
Increase in rate and severity of self-harm
Worsening levels of symptoms of anxiety and depression
A new focus on suicidal talk
Perseverative suicidal thoughts and ruminations
Seeking means or making plans for suicide or suicidal rehearsal
Statements about no reason to live or no purpose in life
Hopelessness
Giving away belongings or making preparations for death

Remember : A behavior that is common for an autistic person may still be a warning sign when it is new, significantly increased, or different from their usual baseline.

Reference: 988lifeline.org

Offering Support- What Can You Do?

Ask directly. Listen without judgment. Take concerns seriously. Use clear, concrete language and give the person time and space to communicate. You do not have to have all the answers—you just need to help connect the person with support.