Experiences of self-harm, suicidal ideation and mental health care among autistic youth.

ABSTRACT: Autistic youth experience high rates of self-harm and suicidal ideation, and substantial barriers to adequate mental health care. Research suggests that mental health services may not meet the needs of autistic individuals, though autistic youth experiencing self-harm and suicidal ideation are underrepresented in this literature. The present study aimed to explore experiences of self-harm, suicidal ideation and mental health care among a sample of autistic youth recruited through two Australian government-funded youth mental health services. Online interviews with seven autistic participants aged 15-23 years were transcribed and thematically analysed using a reflexive approach. Four themes and two subthemes were generated: (1) social rejection as risk, and connection as protection; (2) ove

SUBMITTER: Sabo A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12717283 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature