#Autism may be much more common than previously thought, the study reveals.
#Teen #depression
Troubling research by a team from Nottingham University finds a high percentage of people who died by #suicide may have had an undiagnosed case of #autism. Study authors urge for earlier diagnosis and custom support for #suicideprevention.
This is the first ever research to investigate the relationship between #suicide in the #UnitedKingdom and #autism, a lifelong developmental condition. Researchers analyzed a total of 372 coroner’s reports inspecting people who took their own life. The team also conducted interviews with family members of the deceased. The findings were published on February 15, 2022, in the British Journal of Psychiatry.
The researchers found that 10% of those who died by #suicide had evidence of elevated autistic traits, indicating likely undiagnosed #autism. This is 11 times higher than the rate of #autism in the UK.
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Previous research by the same researchers has shown that up to 66% of autistic #adults have thought about taking their own life, and 35% have attempted #suicide. Earlier research has also found that both diagnosed autistic people and those with elevated autistic traits are more vulnerable to #mentalhealthproblems, suicidal thoughts, and #behaviors. The new research goes a step further by examining Coroner’s records related to people who have ended their own life.
The researchers noted that there are many barriers to receiving an #autism diagnosis, including limited availability of diagnostic services, leading to long waiting lists.
Lead researcher Dr. Sarah Cassidy remarked: “Many #adults in the UK find it very difficult to obtain an #autism diagnosis and appropriate support post-diagnosis. Our study shows that undiagnosed autistic people could be at increased risk of dying by #suicide. It is urgent that access to an #autism diagnosis and appropriate support post-diagnosis is improved. This is the top #autism community priority for #suicideprevention, and needs to be addressed immediately by commissioners of services and policymakers.”
Professor Simon Baron-Cohen added: “Even a single #suicide is a terrible tragedy for the person and a traumatic loss for their families and friends. #Suicide rates are unacceptably high in autistic people and #suicideprevention has to be the number one goal to reduce the worrying increased mortality in autistic people. Autistic people on average die 20 years earlier than non-autistic people, and two big causes of this are #suicide and epilepsy. We published the preliminary data on elevated #suicide rates back in 2014 as a wake-up call to governments, and yet nothing has been done.”
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
