Suicide Prevention Research

Answering key questions

In 2023 we commissioned over £500K of suicide preventon research from Cambridge University’s Autism Research Centre, to learn about suicide risk factors, services gaps and potential avenues for service development, which includes learning from people who have been bereaved.

While these studies progress, we decided to find out what autistic people, and those who support them, think are th key priorities for suicide prevention.

Results are in, and the team is now analysing and reporting on the findings, which we look forward to sharing widely in order to drive change.

Our community survey

Phase One

Understanding autism and suicide

We wanted to talk to autistic people who have struggled with suicidal thoughts, so we could understand their experiences. We asked them to tell us what support works and doesn’t work, and to give us ideas that could help reduce the number of autistic people dying by suicide. We also asked supporters of autistic people to complete this survey, as they have their own unique insights into what would help.

Our aim was to make it the largest ever survey into autism and suicide. An incredible 1,250 autistic people and 200 supporters took part. The research team, which includes autistic people, has analysed the information provided and identified 63 unique ideas.

Phase Two

Prioritising suicide prevention ideas provided by autistic people

The next step in our research was to prioritise the ideas provided in the phase one survey. We developed a follow-up survey to give autistic people and supporters the opportunity to rank the ideas, based on which they believe will have the greatest impact. This second survey closed on 31 January 2025, and results are currently being analysed by the research team.

Who took part?

Both surveys were open to:

Autistic people (with or without a formal diagnosis), aged 16 or over.
People who care, support, advocate for, or are very close to an autistic person of any age or ability and are aged 16 or over.
Those who have cared, supported, advocated for, or were otherwise very close to an autistic person who died by suicide and are aged 16 or over.

What next?

The research team is currently analysing the results of these surveys.

The results will give us valuable insight into what the next steps should be. As we develop our strategy, we’ll work with our Community Advisory Panel to ensure that our plans continue to reflect the experiences and needs of the autism community.

We will share the suicide prevention priorities of autistic people and their supporters publicly, so that policymakers, charities, and those who commission or deliver services can use them to make informed decisions.

Our suicide prevention project team

The studies were conducted by a project team that includes people with lived experience, including members of our charity, Bournemouth University, Newcastle University, University of Nottingham, and SOAS University of London, and is led by the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge. The team includes both neurotypical and neurodivergent members and members with expertise through experience. We also draw on professional backgrounds in research, healthcare, and the voluntary sector

Need urgent help? If you’re having a difficult time or you’re worried about someone else and you need support, please visit our resources page.

Take Action

Get involved in our suicide prevention research by joining our Community Advisory Panel.