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Interactive Workshop

Disability Issues

Preventing Suicide in Autistic Individuals: Strategies for Social Workers

    Presenter(s)

  • Sara Rodrigues, DSW, LICSW

    Founder/Executive Director/Adjunct Lecturer
    NeuroHarbor Wellness & Consulting/Balanced Learning Center/ Boston University/Umass Global

  • AC

    Allison Curry, MSW, LCSW

    Clinical Director
    Balanced Learning Center/NeuroHarbor Wellness & Consulting

This session equips social workers with tools for supporting autistic individuals at risk of suicide. It covers unique risk factors, neurodiversity-affirming suicide prevention strategies, and therapeutic approaches like TF-CBT and sensory-inclusive interventions. Participants will learn to identify warning signs and advocate for autistic individuals' mental health needs.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:
  1. Upon completion, the participant will be able to analyze the unique risk factors contributing to suicide risk in autistic individuals, including communication challenges, social isolation, and co-occurring mental health conditions, to enhance understanding of how these factors intersect and lead to emotional distress.
  2. Upon completion, the participant will be able to apply neurodiversity-affirming suicide prevention strategies, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) adaptations and sensory-inclusive interventions, to develop effective and respectful interventions for autistic individuals at risk of suicide.
  3. Upon completion, the participant will be able to evaluate real-world case studies to identify early warning signs of distress and suicidal ideation, assess suicide risk, and determine appropriate interventions that prioritize the autonomy and dignity of autistic individuals.