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NHS must become more accessible to autistic people
Expert says preventable deaths will continue otherwise
Wednesday 8th October 2025
Source: MedicalXpress (UK)
Research in the UK warns that "preventable deaths will continue" without urgent action to make NHS mental health services more accessible for autistic people.
A study from the Universities of Cambridge and Bournemouth found that only one in four autistic adults sought NHS support during their last suicidal crisis.
The primary reasons cited for not seeking help were a belief that services were unsuitable, previous negative experiences, and long waiting lists.
Experts argue that autistic people want support but are being failed by a system they find inaccessible, unhelpful, or even harmful.
The study corroborates the UK government's recognition of autistic people as a high-risk group for suicide.
Researchers are calling for immediate, meaningful changes, including autism-informed training for healthcare staff and the co-design of flexible, adapted mental health services to rebuild trust and save lives.
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