Autism: Getting a Handle on Suicide

Essentially, autistic traits in an individual can predict feelings or behaviors that the individual is likely to experience. Whether due to ridicule, bullying, or just the struggles of trying to cope with a world that often pushes them to the sidelines, autistic individuals are more likely to feel lonely and hopeless and have a negative self-image. All of these factors, especially when they are combined with other factors such as depression or a traumatic life event drastically increase an individual’s risk of suicide.