Do an online search containing the words autism and suicide and the results may shock you. It isn’t something that many people probably spend much time thinking about, but to those who are autistic, or have an autistic person in their life, the mental health challenges and suicide risk is a scary reality in the life of a neurodivergent.

The increased risk of suicide for autistic people isn’t new. It is something that has been researched for many years. As an AuDHD individual, and a person who has a family member who attempted to take their own life, for me this information is very close to home and of great importance in my life, like many others.

The stats

Studies have reported that autistic people have a more than three-fold higher rate of suicide, and suicide attempt, than the general population.

It has also been reported that autistic girls and women have an even higher risk, along with autistic people with ‘comorbid’, or co-occurring, conditions. Females have been reported to be more likely to have anxiety and depression, which is part of the important data, much of which is shocking and fairly unknown. Psychology Today has even stated that surviving as an autistic adult in a neurotypical society is a Herculean task (Why Suicide Is All Too Common Among Autistic Adults | Psychology Today).

Why the higher rate?

The following factors have been reported as some of the many reasons for the increased risk:

• Mental health problems are common due to the comorbidity – the high rate of multiple challenges and disorders.
• Struggle to gain and maintain employment, especially meaningful work.
• Lack of diagnosis leading to rise in mid-life diagnosis which results in a higher rate of suicide in people with late diagnosis.
• The toll of masking – hiding symptoms or traits to try and fit in. The energy and emotion to regulate and act a certain way can take its toll.
• Increased trauma from the high likelihood of bullying and a life full of rejection.
• Challenges with emotions and cognitive flexibility.
• Social and communication challenges that can lead to disconnection, isolation and lack of support and understanding.

It isn’t so much that being autistic means a person may be automatically at risk, more so that the research highlights the importance of diagnosis to help be aware of challenges, risk and identify support for an individual.

Even just knowing about the risk can drive awareness to help people understand what they feel, why there may be triggers or feelings, and that they are not alone.

People talk about neurodivergence a lot on social media, is it better now?

You may notice more information and sharing on social media these days with people being more open about diagnosis or their life with autism in general. Some people roll their eyes and think “what is the point”, or “why label someone or diagnose”. It is an unfortunate reality that many people think it is unnecessary ‘noise’ and scroll on. The process of assessment and diagnosis can be life-changing. A person can gain understanding of themselves and their experience in the world. This often isn’t possible to recognise and explore alone.

In the general population, the risk of suicide can be higher for certain groups in society, such as people of a certain age or in a particular career. Although not happy reading, this article has detailed statistics across a range of industries with data crucial to understanding and supporting employees in these fields: Suicide Rates by Industry and Occupation — National Vital Statistics System, United States, 2021 | MMWR (cdc.gov)

With the autistic population, the risk doesn’t lower with different career or reduce with age. It is for life.

With the surge in mid, or late, life diagnosis, there are many people who have lived their life undiagnosed, struggling in the world and not aware of why. They have carried the mental health challenges and risk of suicide, unknown to them or the people around them.

Diagnosis can lead to understanding and support. But even with it, things are not clear cut. Those who appear more capable or seem like they function more easily in daily life are actually at times greater risk. Why? Because they are likely to get less support. It’s a challenge – seem ok, left to be ok. Mask well and you’re assumed to be fine when in fact the underlying struggle may have you in constant survival mode or on the verge of meltdown.

What could be different?

It isn’t all doom and gloom. It’s just crucial to have research, understanding, and support to drive change.

Greater training for parents, teachers, workplaces and specialists can help provide improved support. Being able to recognise warning signs, challenges and know ways to connect to truly support people is crucial. Help autistic people build their life and ‘scaffolding’ to have more meaningful experiences and relationships.

What else?

• The importance of diagnosis can be life-changing.
• Improved workplace understanding and environments to reduce impact on employees.
• Encouraging connection, talking, sharing and support.
• Self-care like mindfulness, meditation, exercise are key, but more so is just self-compassion for the struggles and head-space.

Also, establishing a dialogue about suicide and mental health. It can be important to ensure loved ones, friends, or colleagues know they might have feelings and that is ok. And that it’s ok to talk about it.
I personally have been aware for many years that my autistic children have a higher risk of eating disorders, mental health challenges, and suicide. One way to view it is to be terrified that something could happen. My view – I have helped them understand that things arise in life and it doesn’t mean things will always be challenging or bad. I love the quote “a bad day doesn’t mean a bad life”. And my daughter has even said this to me when she’s noticed me having a bad day. The messaging in our house is that you have options. You can change schools, jobs, friends, or make choices and get support. And that I am here for them always. It’s not perfect, but perfection isn’t my goal. We’re working on a lot of things!

Being autistic comes with really tough stuff. Having people around you making effort to understand, connect, and support can reduce the negative statistics and help someone’s life move from survival to perhaps a better day, a better experience and hopefully a better life.

To anyone who lives their daily life with all the tough stuff – please know that to me, you matter. And I am certain to people around you, you also matter.

If you know someone who you think may show signs that concern you, reach out to your local support organisation to think about how to help them, or get support for yourself. If you think someone is at immediate risk, take urgent action.

Global support list: Suicide Hotlines and Prevention Resources Around the World | Psychology Today

Suicide prevention and support Australia:

Home – StandBy (standbysupport.com.au)

Mental health counselling | Suicide Call Back Service

Home – Suicide Prevention Australia

Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 – Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.