Citation

Cervantes PE, Palinkas LA, Conlon GR, Richards-Rachlin S, Sullivan KA, Baroni A, Horwitz SM. J. Autism Dev. Disord. 2024; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2024, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10803-024-06364-9

PMID

38819705

Abstract

PURPOSE: Emergency department (ED) visits for suicidal ideation and self-harm are more prevalent in autistic than non-autistic youth. However, providers are typically offered insufficient guidance for addressing suicide risk in autistic youth, likely impacting confidence and care.

METHODS: In this pilot study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 key members of the autism community (i.e., autistic youth with a history of suicidality, caregivers of autistic youth with a history of suicidality, autism specialist clinicians, ED clinicians) to inform the development of recommendations for modifying ED care for autistic patients, with a focus on suicide risk screening and management.

RESULTS: Participants reported on challenges they encountered receiving or providing care and/or recommendations for improving care. Participant perspectives were aligned, and four main categories emerged: accounting for autism features, connection and youth engagement in care, caregiver and family involvement, and service system issues.

CONCLUSION: As research continues in the development of autism-specific suicide risk assessment tools and management strategies, it is essential we better equip providers to address suicide risk in autistic patients, particularly in ED settings.

Language: en

Keywords

Autism; Emergency Department; Suicide Screening; Youth Suicide