Understanding How Autistic People Use Apps to Cope with Suicidality: A Mixed-Methods Study
Hodges, H., Marsden, S. J., Moseley, R., Weir, E. M., Bojanić, L., Orben, A., Wilson, A., Procyshyn, T. L., Chikaura, T., Allison, C., Baron-Cohen, S., & Pelton, M. (2026). Understanding How Autistic People Use Apps to Cope with Suicidality: A Mixed-Methods Study [Preprint]. Center for Open Science. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/8bdwq_v1
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Abstract
Background: Many autistic people experience difficulties seeking help from mainstream mental health services and some turn to alternative methods of support to manage suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STB). Despite the existence of many self-help apps—some designed for autistic people—research has yet to explore how autistic people use these. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of online survey data from autistic people in the UK (N=1266; median age=33; age range=16-100). Chi-square tests and binomial logistic regression analyses were performed to assess whether demographic characteristics, health conditions, and healthcare utilisation were associated with app helpfulness and use, defined as using any app to cope with STB. Participants’ experiences of using apps to cope with STB were explored through thematic analysis. Results: Approximately one-quarter (27%) of participants used apps to cope with STB; among a range of apps reported, none emerged as significantly more helpful than others. App users were less likely to report having one or more co-occurring mental health conditions than non-app users (2.92% versus 12.40%). Accessing NHS support for STB, compared to not accessing support, predicted app use (OR: 1.423; 95% CI: 1.075-1.879). This association remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, educational attainment and employment status (OR: 1.494; 95% CI: 1.115-1.997) but was no longer statistically significant after accounting for co-occurring physical, mental and neurodevelopmental conditions. Participants reported that apps helped most with self-management and interpersonal connection. While apps were useful for developing coping strategies, they were often described as insufficient for more severe STB. Conclusion: Our findings suggest apps provide support for some autistic people experiencing STB, but that their impact could be enhanced though co-development with autistic people. As a potential low-cost source of supplementary support alongside other interventions, apps could be helpful in coping with suicidal thoughts and preventing attempts.
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