Autism diagnosis should be faster to reduce suicide risk, report finds

A Bournemouth University-led report says faster, accurate autism diagnosis and tailored mental health support are needed to help reduce suicide risk; the study analysed more than 4,000 responses and notes autistic people face a higher risk of suicide.

A new report led by Bournemouth University calls for faster, accurate autism diagnosis and more tailored mental health support to help reduce suicide risk among autistic people. The researchers analysed more than 4,000 responses from autistic people who had experienced suicidal thoughts and from people bereaved by suicide. The report highlights that many autistic adults were missed for diagnosis in childhood and that negative experiences in healthcare contribute to risk. It also notes inequalities in education, employment and healthcare as part of the broader context. Key findings: - The report calls for autistic people not diagnosed in childhood to be assessed accurately and quickly, with sensitive post-diagnostic care. - Researchers analysed over 4,000 responses from autistic people with suicidal thoughts and from bereaved people to identify priorities. - Previous studies cited in the report show autistic people have a higher suicide risk, including being reported as about three times more likely to die by suicide and a higher lifetime rate of attempts compared with non-autistic people. - The report also urges action on inequalities in education, employment and healthcare and calls for appropriate community support to improve inclusion. Summary: The report recommends improving diagnostic services and providing tailored mental health and community support to address the factors linked to higher suicide risk among autistic people. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has acknowledged the NHS is falling short on adult autism and ADHD diagnosis and launched an independent review into rising demand for these services last year. Undetermined at this time.