Autistic youth are more likely to think about and die from suicide. What parents need to know

"As diverse as the experiences of children and teens on the autism spectrum are, one sobering fact holds true: Autistic youth are more likely to think about and die from suicide, and at earlier ages, than their neurotypical peers. The Times spent months interviewing autistic self-advocates, families, physicians and researchers to understand the factors behind this crisis and the changes that could better support youth and their families."

"Solutions are still in their infancy, but autism researchers and advocates are working to develop screening tools, safety plans and therapies based on the unique strengths and differences of an autistic brain. A crucial first step is educating parents, pediatricians and other community professionals on the particular risks and challenges facing autistic youth, and why taking neurodiversity into account could help reduce the number of young lives lost too soon."

"Autistic youth are more likely to struggle with suicidal thoughts and mental health conditions than non-autistic kids. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S. for kids between the ages of 10 and 18. For autistic teens and children, the risk is higher. One 2023 meta-analysis found that some 10% of autistic children and teens had attempted suicide, a rate more than twice that of their non-autistic peers."

Autistic youth experience higher rates of suicidal ideation, attempts, and mental-health conditions than neurotypical peers. One 2023 meta-analysis found about 10% of autistic children and teens had attempted suicide, more than twice the rate of non-autistic peers. Suicide is a leading cause of death for U.S. children ages 10 to 18, and about 20% of high schoolers reported suicidal thoughts in 2023. Crisis warning signs often present differently in autistic children, and standard interventions designed for neurotypical youth may be less effective. Researchers and advocates are developing screening tools, safety plans, and adapted therapies and seeking low-cost ways to tailor existing treatments. Educating parents, pediatricians, and community professionals about neurodiversity-informed risks is a key early step.

Read at Los Angeles Times