Autism Spectrum Disorder and Suicidal Ideation in Kids and Teens: Understanding the Link

Life can be more difficult for people living on the autism spectrum. Understanding social cues can be challenging, and communication might feel extra burdensome. Hypersensitivity can make situations overwhelming. And layered on top of all of this, people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face mental health conditions.

That’s not great news on the surface. But as with many areas of ASD, awareness is a key first step.

Connecting ASD and mental health conditions

While estimates vary, experts across the board agree that people living on the spectrum have a higher likelihood of another diagnosis: a mental health condition.

By one estimate, as many as 70% of autistic people have a mental health condition. 40% of those folks have more than one mental health challenge at play.

By another, the estimate ranges all the way up to 94%.

(For reference, only about 20% of the general population lives with a mental health condition.)

The data also says that a range of mental health challenges can affect kids and teens with ASD. Those include:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (35.3%)
• Anxiety (17.1%)
• Depression (7.5%)
• Bipolar disorder (7.8%)

In short, if you’re on the spectrum and you’re dealing with mental health challenges, you’re certainly not alone.

If someone you love has ASD and you’ve noticed the signs of mental health difficulties, don’t dismiss them. The high likelihood that they’re living with a mental health condition means you should get involved to get them the care they need.

It’s serious: Suicidal ideation for kids and teens on the spectrum

Last month, The LA Times published an article underscoring the importance of paying attention here. Some key takeaways include:

• Autistic people are more likely to die from suicide, per one study, and 20% of kids and teens with ASD had ideated suicide.
• Another study reported that kids with ASD ideate suicide younger, starting before eight years old in about a third of kids.
• Data from a 2023 meta-analysis showed that 10% of kids and teens with ASD had attempted suicide, double that of their non-ASD peers.
• A higher cognitive ability connects to a higher likelihood of suicidal ideation in youth on the spectrum, per another study.

Then, the article pivots to helping families and caregivers protect autistic kids and teens.

For starters, it encourages you to ask directly about suicide if you’re concerned. Choose your child or teen’s preferred communication method (a letter might be better, for example). But don’t worry that asking will “plant” the idea in their head. Directly asking provides a core measure of protection, researchers say.

Additionally, you should watch for different warning signs than in neurotypical kids and teens. Those include:

• Sudden or increased withdrawal
• No words to communicate acute distress
• A current traumatic event, reported by self or others
• Marked increase in rate and/or severity of self-harm
• Worsening in levels of symptoms of anxiety and/or depression
• A new focus on suicidal talk, ideation, or death-related topics that are not a special interest
• Perseverative suicidal thoughts and ruminations
• Seeking means or making plans for suicide or suicide rehearsal
• Statements about no reason for living or no sense of purpose in life
• Hopelessness

Experts are working on better ways to screen for mental health challenges in neurodivergent youth. In the meantime, though, watching your child and teen and communicating in their preferred methods goes a long way.

You also don’t need to navigate this alone. Our team offers care for neurodivergent people and their family members. Therapy can help your autistic child or teen manage their mental health challenges, lowering their risk of suicidal ideation. For support, contact us today.