Suicide Ideation & Autism

Talking about suicide ideation and Autism is critically important because autistic people experience significantly higher rates of mental health challenges, yet their distress is often misunderstood, overlooked, or misattributed. Differences in communication, sensory processing, and emotional expression can make it harder for autistic individuals to describe suicidal thoughts—and for others to recognize warning signs—leading to missed opportunities for support. Open, informed conversations help reduce stigma, improve early identification of risk, and ensure that prevention and intervention efforts are accessible, respectful, and responsive to the lived experiences of autistic people and their families. Creating a safe space for this dialogue can truly save lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 for the Suicide Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress; prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones; and best practices for professionals in the United States. Call or Text 988 from anywhere in the U.S. to text with a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line trains volunteers to support people in crisis.

Riverside County has an alternative to 988: 951-686-HELP (4357)
This number connects you with Riverside County’s 24/7, free, and confidential support. Trained counselors can dispatch Mobile Crisis Response Teams (clinical therapists and behavioral health specialists) to your location.

Autism Specific Guidance. If you are autistic (or supporting an autistic person), you can say:

Specific Guidance for Callers:

  • “I’m autistic / my loved one is autistic. Please use clear, concrete language and speak slowly.”
  • “Communication may be delayed or different (echolalia, limited speech, selective mutism, AAC). Please allow extra processing time.”
  • “We prefer person-first or identity-first language; either is fine; please be respectful.”

For individuals who use AAC or text:

  • You can chat at 988lifeline.org or text 988/741741.
  • Let the counselor know if you need more time to type or if you are using an AAC app/device.

What to Expect from 988 (Autism Awareness):

  • Nonjudgmental listening and collaborative safety planning
  • De-escalation strategies that respect sensory and communication needs
  • Local referrals (mobile crisis teams, urgent care, outpatient therapy, peer support)
  • Law enforcement is not automatically involved; it’s considered only if there is imminent danger.

Autism Society Options Policy

This Resource Guide was developed to provide families and professionals with an opportunity to find resources related to Autism in the Inland Empire in one place. All information provided or published by the Autism Society Inland Empire is for information purposes only. Specific treatment, therapy or services should be provided to an individual only at the direction of the individual’s doctor, caregiver, or other qualified professional. References to any treatment or therapy option, program, service, or treatment provider are not an endorsement by the Autism Society Inland Empire. References of treatments, therapies, programs, services, and/or providers are not intended to be comprehensive statements. You should investigate alternatives that may be more appropriate for a specific individual. The Autism Society Inland Empire assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information published or provided. The Autism Society Inland Empire provides information, but it does not constitute medical or legal information. Referrals provided are suggestions to organizations that might help, but do not constitute a recommendation. The Autism Society Inland Empire cannot be held responsible for consequences that arise from individual dealings with a professional or organization. The inclusion of any organization does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval. The Autism Society Inland Empire may add or remove organizations from this list at its discretion.