New Research Tackles Heightened Risk of Suicide for Autistic Kids

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S. for kids aged 10 to 18. And autistic youth are more likely to think about and die from suicide, and at earlier ages, than their neurotypical peers. Conventional mental health interventions are not designed to address the needs of autistic people — and can even worsen their distress, especially among those with elevated cognitive language and daily living abilities. But promising new mental health research could change the tide. We’ll learn more about advances in suicide prevention in autistic and neurodivergent people.

Guests:

Neal and Samara Tricarico, parents of Anthony "Ant" Tricarico; founders, the Endurant Movement: a nonprofit dedicated to autism, youth suicide and mental health

Corinne Purtill, science and health reporter, Los Angeles Times

Jessica Schwartzman, director, Training and Research to Empower NeuroDiversity Lab, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; assistant professor of pediatrics, USC’s Keck School of Medicine

Lisa Morgan, founder of the Autism and Suicide Prevention Workgroup

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