Mental health crisis prevention and support

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Recognizing the signs of a mental health crisis  

Person stressed out on a closet floor

Mental health crises are serious and potentially life-threatening events that frequently affect children, adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum. Beyond the danger of injury or death, these emergencies often result in lost education, employment and residential opportunities, as well as isolation, exhaustion and financial strain on parents and other caregivers. Some signs may include: 

  • Heightened emotional distress manifesting as irritability or aggression. 
  • Increasing social withdrawal or isolation. 
  • Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. 
  • Self-injury or discussion of self-harm. 
  • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns, indicating distress. 

Suicide prevention

Studies show that autistic people may be at greater risk for suicide and show higher than average rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

This is due, in part, because they often have co-occurring conditions that affect risk for suicide. Depression and anxiety are just two of the common mental health conditions that affect people with autism that can also increase risk for suicide.

Current research suggests that autistic children have about twice the amount of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts than non-autistic children. In one alarming survey, parents reported their children wanting to end their own life by 8 years old or younger. 

Autistic adults also have a more pronounced incidence of suicidal ideation(42%) and suicide attempts(18%) than non-autistic adults (4.8% ideation, 0.7% suicide attempts). A study of late diagnosed autistic adults was more alarming, finding 66% had experienced suicidal ideation, which was nine times higher than the general population, and 35% had a suicide plan or had made a suicide attempt.

How to take care of yourself if you are having suicidal thoughts

If you are having thoughts of suicide or are in crisis, you can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a confidential support service with live counselors you can talk to 24/7. They can be reached by dialing 988, texting 988, or by live chat at: 988 Lifeline Chat and Text - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 

In addition, 988 offers help for neurodivergent adults who are in crisis. Reach out here: Individuals with Neurodivergence - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988lifeline.org) 

988 suicide and crisis lifeline

Additional resources by 988 Lifeline: 

Have a step-by-step plan ready for if/when you feel depressed, suicidal, or in crisis, so you can start at step one and continue through the steps until you feel safe. 988 has a template (PDF) of an established plan that can be helpful. You can learn more how to create it by watching their video about how to build your own safety plan. 

Create a Reasons for Living list. This is important tool to help remind you why not to die, that you have purpose, who you are and what you can do. It is a step to help regulate your feelings. Learn how to easily create it and where to keep it. 

How to help an autistic person that is having suicidal thoughts

Recognize the warning signs for suicide in autistic people from the 988 Lifeline

These warning signs are contingent upon a marked increase or change of specific experiences or behaviors that are different than usual for that individual. Often more than one warning sign would be present in an autistic individual at imminent risk of suicidal behavior.

  1. Sudden or increased withdrawal 
  2. No words to communicate acute distress 
  3. Current traumatic event, reported by self or others 
  4. Marked increase in rate and/or severity of self harm 
  5. Worsening in levels of symptoms of anxiety and/or depression 
  6. A new focus on suicidal talk, ideation, or deathrelated topics that are not a special interest
  7. Perseverative suicidal thoughts and ruminations 
  8. Seeking means or making plans for suicide or suicide rehearsal 
  9. Statements about no reason for living or no sense of purpose in life 
  10. Hopelessness

Action steps to help someone who is having thoughts of suicide from 988 Lifeline and the National Institute for Mental Health:

  1. ASK: “Are you thinking about suicide?” It’s not an easy question to ask, but it can help start a conversation. Studies show that asking people  if they are suicidal does not increase suicidal behavior or thoughts.
  2. BE THERE: Listening without judgment is key to learning what the person is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide  may reduce suicidal thoughts.
  3. HELP KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing access to highly lethal items or places can help prevent suicide. Asking the person if they have a plan and making lethal means less available or less deadly can help the person stay safe when suicidal thoughts arise.
  4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Connecting the person with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline  (call or text 988) and other community resources can give them a safety net when they need it. You can also help them reach out to a trusted family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.
  5. FOLLOW UP: Staying in touch with the person after they have experienced a crisis or been discharged from care can make a difference. Studies show that supportive, ongoing contact  can play an important role in suicide prevention.

Learn more:

Crisis support resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a confidential support service with live counselors you can talk to 24/7. They can be reached by dialing 988, texting 988, or by live chat at: 988 Lifeline Chat and Text - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 

In addition, 988 has a few important resources for neurodivergent adults who are in crisis, have suicidal ideation, or are at risk of suicide: 

The National Association for Mental Illness, or NAMI, is an important resource for those who are experiencing mental health symptoms and would like support and strategies. NAMI has a helpline for anyone seeking support or ideas to manage anxiety and stress. The NAMI HelpLine is available Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time and can be contacted at: 

Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) 

Text ‘HelpLine’ to 62640 

Chat at nami.org/help 

NAMI also has information for children and teens who are experiencing mental health issues: Children and Teens - NAMI HelpLine.