"When doctors suggested therapies for his speech and motor skills, they sought those out too. But when their kind, popular, accomplished boy began to experience depression and suicidal ideation as a teenager, no one told them that the same thinking patterns that powered many of Anthony's achievements might also be amplifying his most harmful thoughts, or that the effort of masking his autism could be hurting his mental health."
"They did not say that he might not show the same warning signs as a non-autistic teenager. And only after he died from suicide in May 2024 did the San Diego County couple discover that autistic kids - particularly those like Anthony, whose disability is not immediately apparent from the outside - are more likely to think about and die from suicide, and at earlier ages, than their neurotypical peers."
Anthony Tricarico was diagnosed at age 7 with autism spectrum disorder, and his parents secured school supports and therapies for speech and motor skills. As a teenager he developed depression and suicidal ideation, but caregivers and professionals failed to explain that autistic thinking patterns and the effort of masking could amplify harmful thoughts or alter typical warning signs. No one recommended autism-adapted therapies or safety plans. After his suicide in May 2024 his parents learned that autistic children—especially those with less visible disabilities—have higher and earlier suicide risk than neurotypical peers. Researchers and advocates are creating tailored screening tools, interventions, and education for caregivers and clinicians.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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