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Neurodiversity Suicide Prevention Hub
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term referring to natural variations of the human brain and highlights the value of different ways of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world. Neurodivergent conditions may overlap and include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette’s syndrome and other cognitive differences. It is estimated that around 1.6 billion people worldwide are neurodivergent and are at a higher risk of suicide.
This hub aims to increase understanding and better support those at risk. It was developed in consultation with subject experts, the charity Amaze, and neurodivergent individuals from our Lived Experience Advisory Group.
Sally Polanski, CEO of Amaze
“We seek to promote and celebrate the strengths that being neurodivergent brings while highlighting the many obstacles faced within our society. We know that a sad reality is that the risk of suicide is disproportionately high for people with a neurodevelopmental difference such as autism and ADHD. Accessing support for your mental health while waiting for a neuro difference assessment or post diagnosis can often lead to people feeling passed between services with the strategies and support offered not always respecting these differences.
Grassroots Suicide Prevention highlighting this issue is a significant step in raising awareness and support for neurodivergent people facing mental health challenges. It also provides a valuable resource for those families and professionals supporting them.”
A neurodivergent person can have advantages such as high creative thinking, being solution-driven, organised and seeing patterns. However, there can also be huge life challenges for a neurodivergent person. Many neurodivergent people need understanding and adaptation to their environment and communication to help them manage.
There is still a lack of understanding and social stigma surrounding neurodivergent conditions. Many face discrimination, bullying, and being marginalised. This can lead to feelings of being judged, excluded, misunderstood, and despair. These destructive experiences can significantly impact mental health and increase the risk of suicide.
15 – 20%
of the UK population are estimated to be neurodivergent
11%
of suicides involve autistic people, even though they make up only around 1% of the population
1.6 billion
people worldwide are estimated to be neurodivergent
These pages offer specific guidance, advice, and resources for those living with different neurotypes. While these examples highlight some of the more common neurotypes, there are many others, and each person’s experience is unique.
Voices of Hope podcast
Our podcast series brings together mental health professionals, people with lived experience, local government, researchers, educators and more about how their work connects to suicide and what we can do as a community to prevent suicide.
In this episode, we speak with Emily Nuttall and Molly Taylor, two members of our Lived Experience Advisory Group, who share their experiences of living with neurodivergence and suicidal thoughts.
Voices for Professionals podcast
Our podcast series for professionals connects experts and those with lived experience to discuss ways we can improve support for individuals experiencing suicidality.
In this episode, we hear from Dr. Chris Ince, Dr. Amy Dissanayake, Dr. Lou Thomas, and Agnes Munday. They share their insights on supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals, identifying key warning signs, and implementing practical adjustments to create safer, more accessible care environments.
[blog title]
[blog placeholder copy] Read our blog to learn more about the links between suicide and neurodiversity.
Dawn Howard – Clinical Lead, Neurodevelopmental Service, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Find help now
If you are having suicidal thoughts and need help now, please use the links below.
Emergency services
If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening crisis.
- Call 999 (UK)
- Call 112 (most of Europe)
- Find emergency numbers for other countries
Stay Alive app
Download our NHS recommended app if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or concerned about someone. There are over 800 resources to help you stay safe for now.
Samaritans
Contact the Samaritans if you feel you are in a crisis.
- Call 116 123
- Email jo@samaritans.org
- Visit the website
Contact your GP
They will help you get support from the right services and will sometimes take appointments over the phone.
- Find your GP contact details
- If your GP practice is closed or unavailable, call NHS 111
- Visit the NHS 111 website
SANEline
Mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers.
- Call 0300 304 7000
- Visit the website
Mind
Mental health charity with trained advisors to talk about your mental health.
- Chat online
- Support line - call 0300 102 1234
- Infoline - call 0300 123 3393
Suicide and neurodiversity: myths and facts
Some phrases and assumptions around neurodiversity and suicide add to the weight of social stigma and shame. This makes those at risk more likely to struggle in silence and can increase the chance that they will act on their suicidal thoughts.
Here are some of the most common and harmful myths and misconceptions. Select each myth to see the real facts and explanations.
Myth: Neurodiversity is a disease that needs to be cured
Myth: Neurodiversity only affects men
Myth: Neurodiversity is a mental health problem
Myth: Neurodivergent people have the same issues
Myth: Neurodiversity is a modern trend
Myth: Neurodivergent behaviours are conscious choices
Myth: If a person is serious about killing themselves then there's nothing you can do
Myth: People who threaten suicide are just seeking attention
Myth: Most suicides happen with no warning
Myth: People thinking about suicide are insane or mentally ill
Myth: Neurodiversity is a disease that needs to be cured
Fact: Neurodiversity is a natural human variation.
Neurodiversity is an inherent human variation, occurring not unlike hair colour or skin tone. The idea that neurodiversity is an illness can be harmful, as it reinforces the stigma that neurodivergent people are somehow ‘not normal’. Some neurodivergent individuals may struggle with aspects of their condition, so it is important to understand how we can support them to live with this, rather than seeking to ‘cure’ them. Because neurodivergent people’s brains work differently, we should embrace their strengths. In fact, some employers actively seek neurodivergent applicants.
Myth: Neurodiversity only affects men
Fact: Neurodiversity affects all genders.
While it is true that men are diagnosed at a higher rate than women, this does not indicate that only men are affected. All genders are affected by neurodiversity, but recent research suggests many women remain undiagnosed. This is often due to limited understanding of how signs present in women, along with their learned ability to mask or minimise behaviours that may be seen as socially unacceptable.
Myth: Neurodiversity is a mental health problem
Fact: Neurodiversity is not the same as mental illness.
It is important to separate neurodiversity from mental health conditions. Neurodiversity is not a flaw, it simply means that individuals process information differently.
However, many neurodivergent people are at an increased risk of experiencing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, often due to internal and external factors. These conditions can, in turn, increase the risk of suicidality.
Myth: Neurodivergent people have the same issues
Fact: Neurodivergent individuals have unique traits and needs, requiring personalised support and understanding.
Some may excel in high-pressure situation, and others feel overwhelmed more easily. Some people may have trouble with social contact, while others may need it.
It’s important to approach neurodivergent people with an open mind and realise that their needs and difficulties are as unique as they are.
Myth: Neurodiversity is a modern trend
Fact: People who are now believed to be neurodivergent have appeared throughout history.
Albert Einstein, one of history’s most famous physicists, is believed to have shown signs of autism due to his unique learning style and social habits. What has changed is how we understand, accept and celebrate these differences.
Labelling neurodiversity as a modern trend belittles the experiences of neurodivergent individuals and overlooks their long-standing presence and contributions to society.
Myth: Neurodivergent behaviours are conscious choices
Fact: Many behaviours associated with neurodivergence are not within the individual’s control and result from involuntary self-supporting strategies due to differences in their brain and nervous systems.
Actions like stimming, fidgeting, tics, impulsivity, or avoiding eye contact are usually automatic responses to stimuli, but they can also be used intentionally as coping strategies. Misunderstanding these behaviours can lead to feelings of shame for actions that are part of a person’s neurological makeup, increasing isolation, stress, and lowering self-esteem.
Myth: If a person is serious about killing themselves then there's nothing you can do
Fact: Many suicidal crises can be relatively short-lived.
Suicide can be a preventable death. Research shows that most people experiencing suicidal thoughts are not completely decided about dying, part of them wants to live and needs support to find a way through.
These thoughts are often temporary, even for someone who has been struggling with prolonged low mood, anxiety, or difficulty coping. That’s why getting the right support at the right time is so crucial.
Myth: People who threaten suicide are just seeking attention
Fact: Anyone talking about suicide needs serious attention.
People who talk about suicide need attention – they are in pain and may feel hopeless. Most people who die by suicide have talked about it first – we should always take comments very seriously that indicate they don’t want to be here anymore, or that people are better off without them.
Do not dismiss a suicide attempt as simply being an attention-gaining device. It is likely that this attention is needed and may well save their lives.
Myth: Most suicides happen with no warning
Fact: Warning signs, verbally or behaviourally, precede most suicides.
Many people who are suicidal may only show warning signs to those closest to them. These loved ones may not recognise what’s going on, which leads to the idea that it was ‘sudden’ or ‘unexpected’.
It is important to be alert to potential warning signs and be prepared to ask about suicide if you are concerned for someone else. These subtle warning behaviours and comments can easily be missed or spread across several people. You can find out more here.
Some autistic people experience alexithymia (challenges in recognising, expressing, feeling, sourcing, and describing emotions) which may mask their feelings so they may not outwardly portray their distress through tone of voice or facial expressions.
Myth: People thinking about suicide are insane or mentally ill
Fact: One in four people has thought about suicide at some time in their life.
Suicide is extremely complex. Many people who experience suicidal thoughts do not have a diagnosed mental illness, although depression and other mood disorders can sometimes be involved. Often, suicidal feelings arise from a combination of factors that have built up over time. It’s important to remember that people without mental health conditions can also be at risk.
How to talk about neurodiversity
When discussing neurodiversity, it’s important to use language that reflects the varied experiences of neurodivergent individuals, acknowledging both their challenges and strengths. The words we choose can help shape how people view themselves and others, so it’s essential to prioritise respectful and inclusive terminology.
Neurodiverse or neurodivergent?
Neurodiversity isn’t always synonymous with a disability.
Avoid using terms like ‘high-functioning’ or ‘low-functioning'.
Avoid terms like ‘suffering from’, ‘afflicted by’, or ‘victim of'.
Be mindful of language when discussing traits or challenges.
Neurodiverse or neurodivergent?
Some identify as neurodivergent, others identify as neurodiverse; ultimately, we are all human and each one of us is unique in every way.
If you’re talking about a group, it is neurodiverse.
If you’re talking about a person, they are neurodivergent.
If you’re talking about people whose ways of processing information and behaviours are seen to be standard, they are neurotypical.
If you are referring to a particular wiring or functioning of an individual’s brain, like autism or ADHD, you say neurotype(s).
Neurodiversity isn’t always synonymous with a disability.
Some neurodivergent individuals may identify as having a disability, while others view it as simply a difference in how they think and experience the world. It’s essential to reflect the perspective and preferences of the individual, especially when discussing disability. For example, you might say: “For some autistic individuals, navigating the social world can present challenges.”
Avoid using terms like ‘high-functioning’ or ‘low-functioning'.
These labels can oversimplify and misrepresent the complex realities of neurodivergent experiences. ‘High-functioning’ can unintentionally suggest that someone needs less support, while ‘low-functioning’ may contribute to an unfair perception of someone being less capable. Instead, focus on specific needs or challenges: “This individual may need assistance with social interaction” or “This person thrives in structured environments.”
Avoid terms like ‘suffering from’, ‘afflicted by’, or ‘victim of'.
These phrases imply that neurodivergence is something inherently negative or a condition to be ‘fixed’. Instead, refer to individuals as ‘having autism’ or ‘having ADHD’, which removes the negative connotations and highlights that neurodivergence is simply part of who they are.
Be mindful of language when discussing traits or challenges.
Using terms like ‘symptoms’ can mistakenly imply that autism is a disease. Instead, use ‘characteristics’ or ‘traits’ to describe behaviours or differences. Likewise, avoid words like ‘treat’ or ‘treatment’, and opt for ‘support’ or ‘adjustments’ to highlight how we can improve the lives of neurodivergent individuals.
How to talk about suicide
Timing is key. Asking about suicide is an important conversation and needs to be treated with respect.
If you’re worried someone may be thinking about suicide, the most important thing is to ask them directly and sensitively. Don’t wait for the ‘right’ moment or for them to be in a better mood – people often show signs when they’re struggling.
Do remember that someone’s internal monologue might be telling them that they don’t deserve help, they’re not good enough, or that they are a failure. Allow them to open up and direct the conversation – don’t ambush them or make them feel targeted.
Talking in a place where someone feels unsafe or rushed may affect what they say. Your choice may depend on the specific risks or situations the person may be experiencing.
1. At home or in a safe, quiet and private place
It’s easier to talk to someone when they are comfortable and not worried about showing emotions or speaking their mind. Find a time when it’s just the two of you and you can talk as long as you need without having to rush off.
2. While doing something you enjoy together
Many people may feel less under pressure if they don’t have to maintain eye contact. It can also be helpful to focus on an enjoyed activity as this gives you both space to pause, reflect and gather thoughts without awkward silences. Choose an activity that they will find enjoyable and avoid tasks that may feel like chores or errands.
3. On a walk or in a quiet place
You could suggest going for a walk in a quiet or familiar place. Nature can often help people to feel more relaxed, but it is important to check first.
Remember the four Cs: appear Calm, Confident, Consistent and Compassionate, however you feel inside.
Talking to someone about how they are can be difficult, especially if you believe they are struggling. You might not know what to say, or feel worried about how they will react.
Here are some suggestions on how to start the conversation:
“How are you feeling?”
“What was the best and worst part of your day?”
“It seems like you’ve been struggling lately. Are you comfortable talking with me about what’s going on?”
“I’ve noticed you’ve had a couple of down days lately, can you let me know how you’re feeling or what you’re thinking about?”
- “If you are having feelings that are hard to deal with or scared of, you can always talk to me, it would not upset me. I just want to listen.”
It is important to be clear when you ask about suicide, use direct language and avoid euphemisms.
This might be difficult, so remember: you are asking the question because it is important to know the answer.
- Have you been thinking about suicide?
- Do you feel like you don’t want to be in this world anymore?
- Do you want to close your eyes and never wake up?
- Do you have thoughts around suicide?
When they answer, listen with empathy and without judgement. You will find advice on what to say and what not to say further down this page. Be careful not to look shocked or upset, as this may cause them to close up or be less honest. Be prepared to listen, even if it’s hard to hear, and try to stay calm.
What to say
Here are some ways to keep the conversation going and opportunities to offer hope, support and empathy to those who are struggling.
It can be very hard to ask these questions; remember, it is always better to ask about suicide and get a definitive answer than to avoid asking and miss an opportunity to connect someone with urgent support.
Reassurance and giving them time
- “Just take your time, there’s no rush.”
- “I know talking about this can be difficult. I’m here to listen.”
- “You can tell me anything.”
- “I want to listen and understand.”
Reassure them that they matter to you, you’re here to listen and support, and you don’t need to rush off.
Many people who feel suicidal will feel worthless, especially if their struggles have been brushed off or downplayed. Showing them you are prioritising them and the conversation will mean a lot.
Asking how long these feelings have been present
- “How long have you been feeling this way?”
- “Have you felt this way before?”
Ask how and when their feelings changed and, if they have experienced this before, what happened last time.
Reassure them that they won’t feel this way forever, and that the very intense feelings can and will change with time.
Asking about plans for suicide
- “Have you got a plan? What is it?”
- “Have you thought about how you would kill yourself?”
- “Have you thought about when you would kill yourself?”
- “Have you taken any steps to get the things you would need to carry out your plan?”
- “Have you thought about how you might do this?”
This is important.
People who have made a suicide plan are at more risk. Let them know that you care about them and that they aren’t alone.
If they start talking about the immediate future or plans for that day, it is important to stay with them and seek further help.
Having empathy
- “I can’t imagine how painful this is for you, but I would like to try to understand.”
- “I’m here, we can find a way to get through this.”
Empathise with them. Be aware that you don’t know exactly how they feel and may never experience or understand what is going on in their mind.
Remind them that you have the time to listen and that you want to hear them.
Offering hope
- “You’re not alone, lots of people feel like this and support is available.”
- “I’m glad you’re telling me how you feel.”
- “You know, one in four people experience thoughts like yours. Many people do recover and find ways to cope, so it’s okay to feel like this.”
Try to offer hope and context – they are not alone, others feel this way, and there is a lot of help available for them. Remind them that people can find ways to get through tough times and that you will help them.
Talking about the future
- “What reasons do you have for staying alive?”
Ask about their reasons for living and dying and listen to their answers. Focus on people they care about, and who care about them. People are less likely to attempt suicide when they have positive future events to focus on.
Keep asking open-ended questions – this means there isn’t a yes or no answer, but an opportunity for them to speak more, continuing the conversation.
Thanking them for opening up
- “Thank you for sharing this with me.”
Encourage them to seek help that they are comfortable with. This could be a doctor, therapist, counsellor or one of the many resources listed on these pages.
Resources
15–20% of the UK population are estimated to be neurodivergent – British Medical Bulletin, Volume 135, Issue 1, September 2020, 108–125
1.6 billion people worldwide are estimated to be neurodivergent – British Medical Bulletin, Volume 135, Issue 1, September 2020, 108–125
Autistic people account for around 11% of suicides, despite making up about 1% of the population – Cassidy S, Au-Yeung S, Robertson A, et al. Autism and autistic traits in those who died by suicide in England, British Journal of Psychiatry, 2022; 221(5):683–691