Suicidal Thoughts in People with Autism: Exploring Research, Risk Factors, and Support Strategies

CARLIE OLENICK – Suicide and Autism 

Previously, many scientists considered intellectual disabilities associated with autism to be a preventative factor against suicide, based on the assumption that these particular disabilities prevented people from grasping concepts of death and suicide. Yet, growing research for this population indicates otherwise, as new statistics show high prevalence rates for both suicidal thinking and behavior for autistic individuals.  

Research indicates that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are seven times more likely to develop suicidal thoughts than non-autistic people, making suicide a leading cause of premature death for this population and causing mounting concern. 

New statistics from the Kennedy Krieger Institute suggest that children with autism can start to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors at a young age. A recent study involving more than 900 caregivers revealed that some children expressed an interest in ending their lives by age eight and younger, with 36.2% reporting they wanted to die. Specifically, females with autism are more likely to attempt suicide and engage in self-harm behavior. 

If a person with autism is having suicidal thoughts, they may not exhibit the same signs commonly seen in non-autistic people. This difference lies in their unique ways of communicating—often influenced by emotional and social skills—and challenges like alexithymia, which can make it hard to express their thoughts. 

The relationship between suicide and autism is a growing concern, and understanding the proper risk factors is crucial to offering the correct support. 

Risk Factors in People with Autism

Research points to the following risk factors linked to suicide and autism. These can include: 

  • Mental health challenges: At some point in their lives, around 8 in 10 people with autism will face a mental health issue, compared to 1 in 4 individuals in the general population without autism. 
  • Delay in diagnosis: A significant amount of autistic people remain undiagnosed well into adulthood, and people without autism diagnoses who self-report with autistic traits are connected to a higher risk of engaging in suicidal thinking and behavior.
  • Autism-related obstacles: People with autism face greater challenges when navigating life’s obstacles—such as abuse, bullying, exploitation, poverty, and social exclusion—which raises their likelihood of having suicidal thoughts. 
  • Masking (camouflaging): Many people with autism and those with elevated autism traits often engage in masking—or known as camouflaging—a behavior where they try to mask their autism by camouflaging their traits to try and fit in with other people 

Support strategies

Supporting people with autism who are at risk of suicide involves acknowledging the challenges they face, such as verbalizing emotional distress, and the impact that additional mental health issues can have. Effective support that can encourage honest communication and provide a safe environment is key to making a positive impact. 

Here are some suggestions that may help to provide support towards people with autism who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

  • Explore options for diagnosis: If you or someone you know is facing challenges, explore options for obtaining an accurate diagnosis for autism and or related mental health problems. 
  • Ask if they are feeling suicidal: Check in with them and ask the appropriate questions. Do not assume that they cannot comprehend the concept of suicide. 
  • Recognize masking behaviors: Keep an eye out if they are camouflaging their autistic traits to fit in with others. If they are struggling, it may be less noticeable to recognize. 

As research expands on the increasing rates of suicidal ideation and suicide among individuals with autism, it is becoming ever more clear that awareness, empathy, and intervention are critical for prevention. Offering mental health support, identifying autism-related challenges, and detecting early diagnosis can address the barriers faced by the autistic community. 

The connection between autism and suicide is a complex relationship. With the appropriate understanding and approach, it can lead to significant advances in support and prevention. 

Copy Editor – Harshil Joshi

Photography Source – https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/depression-and-suicide