PTSD in Autistic Adults: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, & Support for Suicide Prevention

In this course, Lisa Morgan (M.Ed., CAS) and Mary P. Donahue (Ph.D.) begin with compelling statistics on autism and suicide. The much higher incidence of suicide ideation, attempts, and deaths in the autistic community than in the general population may arise from autistic individuals’ difficulties gaining social acceptance due to their neurodivergence. Morgan and Donahue explain the chief differences – arising in communication concerns, social differences, and cognitive rigidity – and show how trauma is more likely to result for those with autism. They outline how to identify an autistic person in crisis. To support such an individual, you are encouraged to gain cultural competence, utilise appropriate communication skills, and help the person to have multiple coping strategies at the ready.