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A Comparison of Two Brief Suicide Prevention Interventions Tailored for Youth on the Autism Spectrum
Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Summary
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+).
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
12 Years - 99 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
1665
Start Date
2022-08-23
Completion Date
2027-11
Last Updated
2026-02-10
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Safety Planning Intervention tailored for Autistic Individuals
To develop the SPI-A, clinicians work collaboratively with patients, and when indicated, their family members, to create a list of concrete coping mechanisms to be enacted leading up to or during a crisis. This list can be depicted in writing or pictorially, depending on patient preference. As part of the intervention, patients (and family members, when appropriate) also identify warning signs that signal the need to use the safety plan, as well as a detailed plan for reducing access to lethal means. SPI-A is a stand-alone intervention without a follow-up component.
Safety Planning Intervention Tailored for Autistic Individuals Plus Structured Follow-Up Contacts
SPI-A+ includes SPI-A plus a structured follow-up component. The structured follow-up component of SPI-A+ includes three elements: 1. A brief risk assessment and mood check 2. Review and, if needed, revision of SPI-A 3. Support related to outpatient mental health treatment initiation
Locations (5)
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
Nationwide Children's Hospital
Columbus, Ohio, United States
Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle, Washington, United States