A Comparison of Two Brief Suicide Prevention Interventions Tailored for Youth on the Autism Spectrum

Description

Rates of suicide have increased significantly over the past two decades, particularly among youth. Compared to the general population, autistic people are significantly more likely to think about suicide, attempt suicide, and die by suicide. Autistic individuals have identified suicide prevention as a top research priority; however, little is known about how to best help autistic youth at risk for suicide. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of two suicide prevention strategies tailored for autistic individuals: the Safety Planning Intervention tailored for Autistic individuals (SPI-A) and SPI-A plus structured follow-up contacts (SPI-A+).

Conditions

Suicidal Ideation, Suicidal and Self-injurious Behavior, Suicide, Autism Spectrum Disorder

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

Rates of suicide have increased significantly over the past two decades, particularly among youth. Compared to the general population, autistic people are significantly more likely to think about suicide, attempt suicide, and die by suicide. Autistic individuals have identified suicide prevention as a top research priority; however, little is known about how to best help autistic youth at risk for suicide. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of two suicide prevention strategies tailored for autistic individuals: the Safety Planning Intervention tailored for Autistic individuals (SPI-A) and SPI-A plus structured follow-up contacts (SPI-A+).

A Comparison of Two Brief Suicide Prevention Interventions Tailored for Youth on the Autism Spectrum

A Comparison of Two Brief Suicide Prevention Interventions Tailored for Youth on the Autism Spectrum

Condition
Suicidal Ideation
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Baltimore

Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21113

Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States, 27510

Columbus

Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States, 43205

Philadelphia

Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * 12-24 years old
  • * Able and willing to provide informed consent (age ≥18) or assent and parental consent (age \<18)
  • * Able to speak English
  • * Have received a safety plan tailored for autistic youth during a clinical visit
  • * Altered mental status that precludes ability to provide informed assent or consent (acute psychosis, intoxication, or mania)

Ages Eligible for Study

12 Years to 99 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill,

Danielle Roubinov, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Shari Jager-Hyman, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Pennsylvania

Study Record Dates

2026-09