Tell us what support autistic people need
Complete our quick survey today.Content warning – this page discusses suicide
Suicide prevention is our number one priority
Too often, autistic people don’t get the support they need. This can lead to crisis and, for many, suicide becomes a real danger. Research shows that two thirds of autistic people have considered suicide, and one third have planned or attempted to take their own life.
We believe this can – and must – change.
Take our survey to help us understand what support is needed
We want to hear from autistic people, with or without a diagnosis, who have struggled with suicidal thoughts. You know what you need better than anyone – which is why we want to listen to what support works and doesn’t work for you.
We also want to hear from people who have supported or continue to support an autistic person who has experienced suicidal thoughts.
Our survey is the largest of its kind, designed with the help of autistic people, and will help us to learn more about what could help reduce the number of autistic people who die by suicide.
We will strive to take what you say and turn it into meaningful action, calling for key decision makers to make the right support available, at the right time, for those who need it, and we will use the results to decide on next steps in developing approaches to suicide prevention for autistic people.
Autistic people deserve to be happy and healthy
8 out of 10 autistic people report mental health problems – this is playing out in families, homes, schools, the NHS and hospitals, social care and residential settings all over the country. These problems have their roots in a society which routinely fails to understand or invest in meeting the needs of autistic people.
Our survey aims to change that.. Our belief is that all suicides are preventable and we want to work towards ensuring that autistic people can access the support they need to prevent them reaching these levels of crisis.
We’re a science-led campaigning charity working closely with Cambridge University’s Autism Research Centre. We commission breakthrough science, campaigns and partnerships to remove barriers and stigma for autistic people.
The team
The study is being conducted by a project team including members from ACE, Bournemouth University, Newcastle University, University of Nottingham, and SOAS University of London, and is led by the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge. The team includes both neurotypical and neurodivergent members and members with expertise through experience. We also draw on professional backgrounds in research, healthcare and the voluntary sector.
Your email address will not be linked to your survey responses. We will only use your email address to contact you about work or activity delivered by the Autism Centre of Excellence at Cambridge, and it will never be shared with other parties. You can learn more about how we handle your data by reading our Privacy Policy.
Prefer to go straight to the survey? Click the relevant button below:
Community involvement and ethical approval
As well as being created by a team that includes autistic people, this survey and our communications materials were independently reviewed by members of our Community Advisory Panel, who we would like to thank for their time and expertise. It was then reviewed by the Cambridge University Psychology Research Ethics Committee. Read more.
Do you need help?
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings, please reach out for help. We know that support options are currently limited, which is why we are researching the best opportunities to improve or create services that will make a difference. In the meantime, the following may be helpful:
In the UK:
- 999 if it is an immediate emergency
- Call your GP surgery, or NHS 24 via 111
- Samaritans have a great website full of information, and their phone line is free and open 24/7: just call 116 123
- Crisis Textline – text 85258 if you are the UK. You will be connected with a trained counsellor who will respond in real time.
- Childline can be called 24/7 on 0800 1111
- Papyrus’s Hopeline247 is for children and young people under age 35 and is available 24/7. You can call them on 0800 068 4141, or text them at 07860 039967, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.
Outside the UK:
- The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) have a list of available helplines in your country.
- Befrienders help connect you with confidential emotional support in your country.
- Lifeline have a list to help you find crisis support in your country.
- International Federation of Telephone Emergency Services help you find telephone emotional support in your country.
Content warning – this page discusses suicide
Suicide prevention is our number one priority
Too often, autistic people don’t get the support they need. This can lead to crisis and, for many, suicide becomes a real possibility. Research shows that two thirds of autistic people have considered suicide, and one third have planned or attempted to take their own life.
We believe this can – and must – change.
Take our survey to help us understand what support is needed
We want to hear from autistic people, with or without a diagnosis, who have struggled with suicidal thoughts. You know what you need better than anyone – which is why we want to listen to what support works and doesn’t work for you.
We also want to hear from people who have supported or continue to support an autistic person who has experienced suicidal thoughts.
Your email address will not be linked to your survey responses. We will only use your email address to contact you about work or activity delivered by the Autism Centre of Excellence at Cambridge, and it will never be shared with other parties. You can learn more about how we handle your data by reading our Privacy Policy.
Prefer to go straight to the survey? Click the relevant button below:
Our survey is the largest of its kind, designed with the help of autistic people, and will help us to learn more about what could help reduce the number of autistic people who die by suicide.
We will strive to take what you say and turn it into meaningful action, calling for key decision makers to make the right support available, at the right time, for those who need it, and we will use the results to decide on next steps in developing approaches to suicide prevention for autistic people.
Autistic people deserve to be happy and healthy
8 out of 10 autistic people report mental health problems – this is playing out in families, homes, schools, the NHS and hospitals, social care and residential settings all over the country. These problems have their roots in a society which routinely fails to understand or invest in meeting the needs of autistic people.
Our survey aims to change that.. Our belief is that all suicides are preventable and we want to work towards ensuring that autistic people can access the support they need to prevent them reaching these levels of crisis.
We’re a science-led campaigning charity working closely with Cambridge University’s Autism Research Centre. We commission breakthrough science, campaigns and partnerships to remove barriers and stigma for autistic people.
The team
The study is being conducted by a project team including members from ACE, Bournemouth University, Newcastle University, University of Nottingham, and SOAS University of London, and is led by the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge. The team includes both neurotypical and neurodivergent members and members with expertise through experience. We also draw on professional backgrounds in research, healthcare and the voluntary sector.
Community involvement and ethical approval
As well as being created by a team that includes autistic people, this survey and our communications materials were independently reviewed by members of our Community Advisory Panel, who we would like to thank for their time and expertise. It was then reviewed by the Cambridge University Psychology Research Ethics Committee.
Do you need help?
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings, please reach out for help. We know that support options are currently limited, which is why we are researching the best opportunities to improve or create services that will make a difference. In the meantime, the following may be helpful:
In the UK:
- 999 if it is an immediate emergency
- Call your GP surgery, or NHS 24 via 111
- Samaritans have a great website full of information, and their phone line is free and open 24/7: just call 116 123
- Crisis Textline – text 85258 if you are the UK. You will be connected with a trained counsellor who will respond in real time.
- Childline can be called 24/7 on 0800 1111
- Papyrus’s Hopeline247 is for children and young people under age 35 and is available 24/7. You can call them on 0800 068 4141, or text them at 07860 039967, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.
Outside the UK:
- The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) have a list of available helplines in your country.
- Befrienders help connect you with confidential emotional support in your country.
- Lifeline have a list to help you find crisis support in your country.
- International Federation of Telephone Emergency Services help you find telephone emotional support in your country.
Changing lives
Together, we can create a world where autistic people are respected and valued.
Help us bring evidence-based approaches to autistic people and their families – and change lives!
About Us
The Autism Centre of Excellence at Cambridge (ACE) is a science-led campaigning charity working closely with Cambridge University’s Autism Research Centre. Our aim is to improve access to high quality support and remove barriers and stigma for autistic people.
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ACE is charity registered in England and Wales, Reg. No: 1191599. Read our Privacy Statement.