The numbers we need to discuss
Shownotes
Content warning: There is a discussion of suicide and self-harm during this episode. It is important and contextualised but this is a content warning nonetheless.
If you are struggling, there is help available. In the UK, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123, You can also email [email protected]. If phone calls aren't accessible for you, text SHOUT to 85258.
In the US, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. They also have a web chat. And there's the Crisis Text Line - text HELLO to 741741.
Elsewhere, the International Association for Suicide Prevention has a directory of crisis centres worldwide www.iasp.info
Papers used in preparation of this episode include:
- Link to Roper et al. 2025 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13229-025-00693-x
- Link to Chikaura et al. 2025 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aur.70137
- Link to 2023 meta-analysis: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13229-023-00544-7
- Link to DBT RCT: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/effectiveness-and-safety-of-dialectical-behavior-therapy-for-suicidal-ideation-and-behavior-in-autistic-adults-a-pragmatic-randomized-controlled-trial/4464CA3C0D3DDEF5F3A4BD45415B9B50
- Link to AASP download: https://research.ncl.ac.uk/neurodisability/leafletsandmeasures/autismadaptedsafetyplans/
- Link to UK Suicide Prevention Strategy: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/suicide-prevention-strategy-for-england-2023-to-2028
- Link to JAMA paper on autism/TGNC intersection: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2824667
- Autistic identity systematic review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38334318/
- Interpersonal Theory in autism: https://molecularautism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13229-022-00495-5
- Camouflaging and suicide: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31820344/
- 988 autism resources: https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/if-youre-neurodivergent/
- Autistica suicide page: https://www.autistica.org.uk/what-is-autism/suicide-and-autism
- Trevor Project autism brief: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/mental-health-among-autistic-lgbtq-youth-apr-2022/
- Warning signs resource (988): https://988lifeline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Warning-Signs-Resource-Sept-2021-2.pdf
As ever we thank you, our loyal listeners for sticking with us. We would love to hear from you so look for our contact details in your podcast app or via our website.