ORCID

Abstract

Background: Suicide is the leading cause of death for young people aged 15–29 (WHO, 2021). Autistic individuals experience elevated rates of mental health difficulties, often linked to stigma, discrimination, and a lack of appropriate support (Botha & Frost, 2020; Hedley et al., 2018). They are significantly more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviours than the general population (Hirvikoski et al., 2016). Despite this, limited research has explored autistic adults’ lived experiences of suicidal distress. Calls from autistic advocates highlight the need for inclusive, co-produced research to avoid perpetuating harm (Pellicano et al., 2014; Kapp et al., 2013).Aims: This study aimed to explore the experiences of suicidal distress in young autistic adults (aged 18–29) using a Community-Based Participatory Action Research approach.Methods: Six autistic young adults who self-reported experiences of suicidal distress were interviewed using a semi-structured protocol co-developed with autistic community members.Results: Seven Group Experience Themes were identified, including coping, identity, relationships, systemic barriers, and the value of neuroaffirmative spaces. Participants described a continuum of coping strategies, relational factors, and the impact of exclusion across systems.Conclusions: Findings highlight the need for autism-informed, trauma-sensitive services, and the importance of co-producing care that affirms identity, fosters connection, and builds trust.

Awarding Institution(s)

University of Plymouth

Supervisor

Pete Keohane, Lealah Hewitt-Johns, Philippa Wood

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

2025

Embargo Period

2026-09-18

Deposit Date

September 2025

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Download

Share

COinS