“A Combination of Everything”: A Mixed-Methods Approach to the Factors that Autistic People Consider Important in Suicidality

This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. two authors of this publication are identified as autistic in the project.

About the autistic author marker

Moseley, R. L., Marsden, S. J., Allison, C. T., Parsons, T. A., Cassidy, S., Procyshyn, T., Pelton, M., Weir, E., Chikaura, T., Mosse, D., Hall, I., Owens, L., Cheyette, J., Crichton, D., Rodgers, J., Hodges, H., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2026). “A Combination of Everything”: A Mixed-Methods Approach to the Factors that Autistic People Consider Important in Suicidality. Autism in Adulthood. https://doi.org/10.1177/25739581251371393

Publication date: 2 Feb 2026 Added to AutiHub: 6 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English

This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:

Authors

Publication authors
17
Publication authors identified as autistic
2 / 17 (11.8%)

Abstract

Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death for autistic people, but inadequately explained by theories derived in non-autistic populations. Autistic people's perceptions of the factors underpinning suicidal experiences are vital for guiding conceptual understanding, risk assessment, and policy and clinical practice towards preventing suicide. Methods: We recruited 1369 autistic participants for an online survey designed through consultation with autistic people. Participants were 326 cisgender men, 718 cisgender women, and 325 transgender or gender-divergent individuals, ranging from 16-89 years old. We asked them to rate the importance of 19 contributing factors to their suicidal thoughts and feelings, and enter their own explanations of additional factors if desired. Alongside thematically analysing this qualitative data, we examined whether ratings of contributing factors differed by age and gender, and whether ratings statistically predicted levels of lifetime suicidality. Results: Loneliness, feelings of worthlessness/failure, hopelessness and mental illness were the highest rated contributing factors to suicidal thoughts and feelings, particularly by autistic women and sex/gender minorities; ratings also differed by age. Qualitative responses indicated the complexity of suicidality, wherein autistic status influenced both the nature of the stressors (e.g. societal stigma) and cognitive-emotional states (e.g. feeling disconnected through feeling different to others) that participants identified. Greater perceived importance of bullying, difficulties accessing support and past trauma characterised participants with experience of suicide plans or attempts. Conclusion: While some of the experiences and mental states identified by participants resembled those identified in non-autistic groups, the psychological profile of autistic participants and their experiences of marginalisation appeared to heavily contextualise expressions of hopelessness, burdensomeness, worthlessness, loneliness and entrapment. Autistic people vary with regards the factors perceived to underpin suicidality. However, associations between suicidality and the perceived importance of bullying, trauma, and inability to access support highlight the necessity of societal and systemic change to prevent suicide.

Bibliography cited by this reference

Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.

Cited bibliography overview

These indicators describe the bibliography cited by this publication. An author name is counted each time it appears in one cited reference, so the same person can be counted more than once. Names not yet linked to an author already present in AutiHub are treated as unknown, not as non-autistic. Last computed: 2 Oct 2026 16:12.

Cited references
81
With a DOI
73
Without a DOI, from raw bibliography text
8
18 / 81 (22.2%) cited references include at least one author identified as autistic.
References with data to complete
5 / 81 (6.2%)
References with detected author names
76 / 81 (93.8%)
Without detected author names
5
Without a structured title
5
Without a stable identifier
8
References with raw author names still to review
5
References with external metadata lookup issues
0
These indicators apply to cited references displayed on this page, after technical duplicates have been merged. A reference without a DOI can still support author statistics when a title and author names are available.
Author names detected in the cited bibliography
480
From DOI or external metadata
480
From validated raw bibliography text
0
Raw names already validated
0
Raw names still to review
5
266 / 480 (55.4%) names are linked to an author already present in AutiHub. 214 / 480 (44.6%) names are not yet linked.
Names linked to a person identified as autistic
27 / 480 (5.6%)
Calculated across all author names detected in the cited bibliography. Among names linked to an author already present in AutiHub: 27 / 266 (10.2%). Distinct people identified as autistic: 19 / 362 (5.2%).
  1. Claire M. Brown , Victoria Newell , Ensu Sahin , Darren Hedley (2024). Updated Systematic Review of Suicide in Autism: 2018–2024 . Current Developmental Disorders Reports, 11(4), 225-256. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref
  2. Matthew K. Nock , Guilherme Borges , Evelyn J. Bromet , Jordi Alonso , Matthias Angermeyer , Annette Beautrais et al. (2008). Cross-national prevalence and risk factors for suicidal ideation, plans and attempts . British Journal of Psychiatry, 192(2), 98-105. Royal College of Psychiatrists.
    Crossref
  3. Victoria Newell , Lucy Phillips , Chris Jones , Ellen Townsend , Caroline Richards , Sarah Cassidy (2023). A systematic review and meta-analysis of suicidality in autistic and possibly autistic people without co-occurring intellectual disability . Molecular Autism, 14(1), 12. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref
  4. E. David Klonsky , Mikayla C. Pachkowski , Arezoo Shahnaz , Alexis M. May (2021). The three-step theory of suicide: Description, evidence, and some useful points of clarification . Preventive Medicine, 152(Pt 1), 106549. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref
  5. Kimberly A. Van Orden , Tracy K. Witte , Kelly C. Cukrowicz , Scott R. Braithwaite , Edward A. Selby , Thomas E. Joiner (2010). The interpersonal theory of suicide. Psychological Review, 117(2), 575-600. American Psychological Association (APA).
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1037/a0018697 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2143095451
    Crossref
  6. Rory C. O’Connor , Olivia J. Kirtley (2018). The integrated motivational–volitional model of suicidal behaviour . Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 373(1754), 20170268. The Royal Society.
    Crossref
  7. Rory C. O’Connor , Carol M Worthman , Marie Abanga , Nikoletta Athanassopoulou , Niall Boyce , Lai Fong Chan et al. (2023). Gone Too Soon: priorities for action to prevent premature mortality associated with mental illness and mental distress . The Lancet Psychiatry, 10(6), 452-464. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref
  8. Lucas Zullo , Jessica King , Paul A. Nakonezny , Betsy D. Kennard , Graham Emslie , Sunita M. Stewart (2021). Implementing the interpersonal theory of suicide to improve outcomes in suicidal adolescents: A pilot trial . Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 51(4), 633-640. Wiley.
    Crossref
  9. Mirabel Pelton , Hayley Crawford , Ashley Robertson , Jacqui Rodgers , Simon Baron-Cohen , Sarah Cassidy (2020). Understanding Suicide Risk in Autistic Adults: Comparing the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide in Autistic and Non-autistic Samples . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(10), 3620-3637. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref
  10. Deanna Dow , Lindee Morgan , Jessica L. Hooker , Matthew S. Michaels , Thomas E. Joiner , Juliann Woods et al. (2021). Anxiety, Depression, and the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide in a Community Sample of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder . Archives of Suicide Research, 25(2), 297-314. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref
  11. Jung-Chi Chang , Meng-Chuan Lai , Shu-Sen Chang , Susan Shur-Fen Gau (2024). Factors mediating pre-existing autism diagnosis and later suicidal thoughts and behaviors: A follow-up cohort study . Autism, 28(9), 2218-2231. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref
  12. Iryna Culpin , Becky Mars , Rebecca M. Pearson , Jean Golding , Jon Heron , Isidora Bubak et al. (2018). Autistic Traits and Suicidal Thoughts, Plans, and Self-Harm in Late Adolescence: Population-Based Cohort Study . Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 57(5), 313-320.e6. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref
  13. Varun Warrier , Simon Baron-Cohen (2021). Childhood trauma, life-time self-harm, and suicidal behaviour and ideation are associated with polygenic scores for autism . Molecular Psychiatry, 26(5), 1670-1684. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref
  14. Annelie A. T. Hooijer , Bram B. Sizoo (2020). Temperament and character as risk factor for suicide ideation and attempts in adults with autism spectrum disorders . Autism Research, 13(1), 104-111. Wiley.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1002/aur.2221 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2980426704
    Crossref
  15. Jessica Graham , Jacqui Rodgers , Sarah Cassidy (2024). Why Are Autistic People More Likely to Experience Suicidal Thoughts? Applying the Integrated Motivational–Volitional Model with Autistic Adults . Autism in Adulthood, 6(3), 272-283. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref
  16. Darren Hedley , Mirko Uljarevic , Mathilda Wilmot , Amanda Richdale , Cheryl Dissanayake (2017). Brief Report: Social Support, Depression and Suicidal Ideation in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(11), 3669-3677. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref
  17. Darren Hedley , Mirko Uljarevic , Kitty-Rose Foley , Amanda Richdale , Julian Trollor (2018). Risk and protective factors underlying depression and suicidal ideation in Autism Spectrum Disorder . Depression and Anxiety, 35(7), 648-657. Wiley.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1002/da.22759 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2802741176
    Crossref
  18. Darren Hedley , Mirko Uljarevic , Mathilda Wilmot , Amanda Richdale , Cheryl Dissanayake (2018). Understanding depression and thoughts of self-harm in autism: A potential mechanism involving loneliness . Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 46, 1-7. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref
  19. Mikle South , J. S. Beck , R. Lundwall , M. Christensen , E. A. Cutrer , Terisa P. Gabrielsen et al. (2020). Unrelenting Depression and Suicidality in Women with Autistic Traits . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(10), 3606-3619. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref
  20. Titia G. Arwert , Bram B. Sizoo (2020). Self-reported Suicidality in Male and Female Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Rumination and Self-esteem . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(10), 3598-3605. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref
  21. Mirabel Pelton , Hayley Crawford , Ashley Robertson , Jacqui Rodgers , Simon Baron-Cohen , Sarah Cassidy (2020). A Measurement Invariance Analysis of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire and Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale in Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults . Autism adulthood, 2(3), 193. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref
  22. Patrick Jachyra , Meng-Chuan Lai , Juveria Zaheer , Natasha Fernandes , Michelle Dale , Amanda Sawyer et al. (2022). Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours Among Autistic Adults Presenting to the Psychiatric Emergency Department: An Exploratory Chart Review . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 52(5), 2367-2375. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref
  23. Craig Goodall (2018). ‘I felt closed in and like I couldn’t breathe’: A qualitative study exploring the mainstream educational experiences of autistic young people . Autism & Developmental Language Impairments, 3, 239694151880440. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref
  24. Elise Ng-Cordell , Anika Rai , Hira Peracha , Tamara Garfield , Stephen E. Lankenau , Diana L. Robins et al. (2022). A Qualitative Study of Self and Caregiver Perspectives on How Autistic Individuals Cope With Trauma . Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 825008-825008. Frontiers Media SA.
    Crossref
  25. Louise Camm-Crosbie , Louise Bradley , Rebecca Shaw , Simon Baron-Cohen , Sarah Cassidy (2019). ‘People like me don’t get support’: Autistic adults’ experiences of support and treatment for mental health difficulties, self-injury and suicidality . Autism, 23(6), 1431-1441. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref
  26. Laura Foran Lewis , Kailey Stevens (2023). The lived experience of meltdowns for autistic adults . Autism, 27(6), 1817-1825. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref
  27. Louise Bradley , Rebecca Shaw , Simon Baron-Cohen , Sarah Cassidy (2021). Autistic Adults' Experiences of Camouflaging and Its Perceived Impact on Mental Health . Autism in Adulthood, 3(4), 320-329. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref
  28. Hannah Gellini , Magda Marczak (2024). “I Always Knew I Was Different”: Experiences of Receiving a Diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Adulthood—a Meta-Ethnographic Systematic Review . Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 11(3), 620-639. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref
  29. Putnam OC (2023). How autistic adults’ priorities for autism research differ by gender identity: A mixed-methods study . Womens Health (Lond), 19, 174550572311603.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  30. Wei Song , Mark S. Salzer , Stacy L. Nonnemacher , Lindsay Shea (2022). Lifespan service receipt and unmet needs among individuals on the autism spectrum . Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 49(4), 694-705. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref
  31. Kaitlin H. Koffer Miller , Dylan S. Cooper , Wei Song , Lindsay Shea (2022). Self-reported service needs and barriers reported by autistic adults: Differences by gender identity . Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 92, 101916. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref
  32. Caroline Kassee , Stephanie Babinski , Ami Tint , Yona Lunsky , Hilary K. Brown , Stephanie H. Ameis et al. (2020). Physical health of autistic girls and women: a scoping review . Molecular Autism, 11(1), 84. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref
  33. vicki gibbs , Jennie Hudson , Ye In (Jane) Hwang , Samuel R. C. Arnold , Julian Trollor , Elizabeth Pellicano (2021). Experiences of physical and sexual violence as reported by autistic adults without intellectual disability: Rate, gender patterns and clinical correlates . Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 89, 101866. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref
  34. SujitaKumar Kar , Ananya Choudhury , AbhishekPratap Singh (2015). Understanding normal development of adolescent sexuality: A bumpy ride . Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, 8(2), 70. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health).
    Crossref
  35. Gavin Robert Stewart , Emily Luedecke , Will Mandy , Rebecca A. Charlton , Francesca Happé (2024). Experiences of social isolation and loneliness in middle-aged and older autistic adults . Neurodiversity, 2, 1. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref
  36. Dean M (2023). Social engagement and loneliness in school-age autistic girls and boys . Womens Health (Lond), 19, 174550572311709.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  37. Procyshyn TL (n.d.). ‘I did not think they could help me’: UK-based autistic adults’ reasons for not seeking public healthcare when experiencing suicidality . ‘I did not think they could help me’: UK-based autistic adults’ reasons for not seeking public healthcare when experiencing suicidality.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  38. Sarah Cassidy , Louise Bradley , Heather Cogger-Ward , Jacqui Rodgers (2021). Development and validation of the suicidal behaviours questionnaire - autism spectrum conditions in a community sample of autistic, possibly autistic and non-autistic adults . Molecular Autism, 12(1), 1. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref
  39. Virginia Braun , Victoria Clarke (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology . Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref
  40. J van Bentum , M Sijbrandij , M Huibers , Sander Begeer (2024). Occurrence and predictors of lifetime suicidality and suicidal ideation in autistic adults . Autism, 28(9), 2282-2294. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref
  41. Sarah Cassidy , Paul Bradley , Janine Robinson , Carrie T. Allison , Meghan McHugh , Simon Baron-Cohen (2014). Suicidal ideation and suicide plans or attempts in adults with Asperger's syndrome attending a specialist diagnostic clinic: a clinical cohort study . The Lancet Psychiatry, 1(2), 142-147. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref
  42. Brittany N. Hand , Teal W. Benevides , Henry J. Carretta (2020). Suicidal Ideation and Self-inflicted Injury in Medicare Enrolled Autistic Adults With and Without Co-occurring Intellectual Disability . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(10), 3489-3495. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref
  43. So Yoon Kim , Jeong Eun Cheon , Young-Hoon Kim (2025). A cross-cultural examination of blatant and subtle dehumanization of autistic people . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 55(2), 678. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref
  44. Lindsay Shea , Mi-Yeet Wong , Wei Song , Katy Kaplan , Disha Uppal , Mark S. Salzer (2024). Autistic-Delivered Peer Support: A Feasibility Study . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 54(2), 409-422. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref
  45. (n.d.). NHS England. Staying safe from suicide: Best practice guidance for safety assessment formulation and management. NHS England; 2025. https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/staying-safe-from-suicide [Last accessed: April15 2025].
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  46. (n.d.). Mental Health Autism. Autism-Adapted Safety Plan. Mental Health Autism; 2025. https://sites.google.com/view/mentalhealthinautism/resources/safety-plan [Last accessed: April15 2025].
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  47. Rachel Jellett , Rebecca L. Flower (2024). How can psychologists meet the needs of autistic adults? Autism, 28(2), 520-522. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref
  48. Felicity Sedgewick , Vivian Hill , Rhiannon Yates , Leanne Pickering , Elizabeth Pellicano (2016). Gender Differences in the Social Motivation and Friendship Experiences of Autistic and Non-autistic Adolescents . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(4), 1297-1306. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref
  49. Natalie Libster , Azia Knox , Selin Engin , Daniel Geschwind , Julia Parish‐Morris , CONNIE KASARI (2023). Sex differences in friendships and loneliness in autistic and non-autistic children across development . Molecular Autism, 14(1), 9-9. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref
  50. David S. Fink , Sandro Galea (2015). Life Course Epidemiology of Trauma and Related Psychopathology in Civilian Populations . Current Psychiatry Reports, 17(5), 31-31. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref
  51. Tatja Hirvikoski , M. Boman , Qian Chen , B. M. D'Onofrio , E. Mittendorfer-Rutz , P. Lichtenstein et al. (2020). Individual risk and familial liability for suicide attempt and suicide in autism: a population-based study . Psychological Medicine, 50(9), 1463-1474. Cambridge University Press (CUP).
    Crossref
  52. Kairi Kõlves , Cecilie Fitzgerald , Merete Nordentoft , Stephen James Wood , Annette Erlangsen (2021). Assessment of Suicidal Behaviors Among Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Denmark . JAMA Network Open, 4(1), e2033565. American Medical Association (AMA).
    Crossref
  53. Meng-Chuan Lai , Natasha R. Saunders , Anjie Huang , Azmina Artani , Andrew S. Wilton , Juveria Zaheer et al. (2023). Self-Harm Events and Suicide Deaths Among Autistic Individuals in Ontario, Canada . JAMA Network Open, 6(8), e2327415. American Medical Association (AMA).
    Crossref
  54. Kathryn P. Linthicum , Jessica D. Ribeiro (2022). Suicide plan prevalence, recurrence, and longitudinal association with nonfatal suicide attempt . Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 52(6), 1062-1073. Wiley.
    Crossref
  55. Wen-Jiun Chou , Peng-Wei Wang , Ray C. Hsiao , Huei-Fan Hu , Cheng-Fang Yen (2020). Role of School Bullying Involvement in Depression, Anxiety, Suicidality, and Low Self-Esteem Among Adolescents With High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder . Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 9-9. Frontiers Media SA.
    Crossref
  56. Rachel Holden , Joanne Mueller , John McGowan , Jyoti Sanyal , Maxim Kikoler , Emily Simonoff et al. (2020). Investigating Bullying as a Predictor of Suicidality in a Clinical Sample of Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder . Autism Research, 13(6), 988-997. Wiley.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1002/aur.2292 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3012826993
    Crossref
  57. Johan Nyrenius , Margda Waern , Jonas Eberhard , Mohammad Ghaziuddin , Christopher Gillberg , Eva Billstedt (2023). Autism in adult psychiatric out-patients: self-reported suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and non-suicidal self-injury . BJPsych Open, 9(5), e167-e167. Royal College of Psychiatrists.
    Crossref
  58. Elizabeth O'Nions , Irene Petersen , Joshua E.J. Buckman , Rebecca A. Charlton , Claudia Cooper , Anne Corbett et al. (2023). Autism in England: assessing underdiagnosis in a population-based cohort study of prospectively collected primary care data . The Lancet Regional Health - Europe, 29, 100626. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref
  59. (n.d.). NHS England. Meeting the needs of autistic adults in mental health services. NHS England; 2023. https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/meeting-the-needs-of-autistic-adults-in-mental-health-services/ [Last accessed: April15 2025].
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  60. (n.d.). Department of Health and Social Care. Suicide prevention in England: 5-year cross-sector strategy. Department of Health and Social Care; 2023. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/suicide-prevention-strategy-for-england-2023-to-2028/suicide-prevention-in-england-5-year-cross-sector-strategy [Last accessed: April15 2025].
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  61. (n.d.). House of Lords. Autism Act 2009. House of Lords Committee; 2025. https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/770/autism-act-2009-committee [Last accessed: April15 2025].
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  62. Joyce Chu , Oula Khoury , Johnson Ma , Francesca Bahn , Bruce Bongar , Peter Goldblum (2017). An Empirical Model and Ethnic Differences in Cultural Meanings Via Motives for Suicide . Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(10), 1343-1359. Wiley.
    Crossref
  63. Jade Eloise Norris , Jiedi Lei , Katie Maras (2024). Adapting communication with autistic service users: Co-produced adaptations for medical services, employers, and the third sector . Neurodiversity, 2. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref