The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) is proud to announce the establishment of a new special interest group (SIG) dedicated to Intellectual Disability, Autism, and Neurodiversity. This SIG aims to address the urgent need to reduce shockingly high suicide rates among people with intellectual disability and autistic people.
Suicide prevention in neurodivergent communities requires specialized approaches that acknowledge unique risk factors and protective elements. By bringing together global experts, researchers, clinicians, advocates, and individuals with lived experience, this SIG will drive initiatives that foster better awareness, education, and intervention strategies.
“For too long, the voices and experiences of people with intellectual disability, autistic people and other neurodivergent communities have been missing from suicide prevention research and practice. This SIG aims to hasten suicide prevention efforts by sharing experience and good practice to enable the development of effective novel approaches. We are keen to welcome new members from across the IASP network so feel free to get in touch if you have any questions at all.” said Co-Chair Dr Mirabel Pelton.
The SIG seeks to increase the visibility of neurodivergent individuals within suicide prevention efforts by fostering an international, multidisciplinary network and facilitating the exchange of best practices. It aims to support the development of specialized and community-based approaches to suicide prevention, intervention, treatment, support, and postvention.
Reflecting on the urgent need for greater inclusion in suicide prevention efforts, Co-Chair Professor Cécile Bardon emphasizes: “People with intellectual disabilities, autism or other neurodivergences have been neglected by the suicide prevention community for a long time. They present high rates of distress and suicide behaviour that warrant an intensification of research programmes to identify and answer their needs. We are happy to welcome SIG members who wish to further the advocacy, practice, and research agenda.”
The SIG welcomes professionals and individuals with lived experience to join its efforts in shaping a more inclusive and informed approach to suicide prevention.
For more information or to join the SIG, visit the IASP Special Interest Group page here.
