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Cracks in the system leading to autistic suicides
Study finds 40% of autistic people have tried to end it all
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Monday 10th November 2025 |
A recent study by Bournemouth and Cambridge Universities has highlighted what researchers call a "public health crisis", finding that almost 40% of 1,400 autistic participants had attempted suicide.
The study pointed to "cracks in the system" as contributing factors.
Participants reported "traumatising" school experiences with little support, which often continued into adulthood.
They described feeling misunderstood, disbelieved, and invalidated when trying to access professional support, leading to hopelessness and despair.
Many also cited struggles with "inconsistent and unpredictable" health and social care and a "demeaning" benefits system, which left them feeling like a burden to society.
Lead author Dr Rachel Moseley urged the government to address these systemic gaps, calling for reduced waiting times for autism assessments and better post-diagnostic care.
In response, the Department of Health and Social Care called the findings "shocking" and reiterated its commitment to improving support, noting investments in assessment services, staff training, and mental health services.
Source: BBC News (UK)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckg3594dykdo
Further reading, listening and viewing...
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