High rates of suicidal thoughts among autistic young people

Analysis of Tellmi user data has highlighted the alarmingly high rates of suicidal thoughts among autistic young people. 

The analysis, conducted by the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge in partnership with Tellmi and published in Autism Research, identified that 63% of diagnosed or self-identifying autistic Tellmi users aged 11-25 (n=365) experience suicidal thoughts (Procyshyn et al., 2026).

The study found that suicidal thoughts in autistic young people were associated with self-harm, depression, a history of abuse, and a gender minority identity. Greater sensory differences, social masking, and loneliness were also strongly correlated with higher levels of suicidality. 

The study found that self-identifying with the term ‘neurodiversity’ was a protective factor against suicidal thoughts among autistic young people. One explanation is that embracing their identity increases the likelihood of engaging with neurodiversity-related peer communities that strengthen well-being and increase social connectedness. 

The findings of the study translate into clear priorities: expanding timely access to autism-adapted mental health care for those experiencing depression and self-harm and investing in identity-affirming, connection-building support to foster belonging. 

High social connectedness and perceived peer support are recognised as protective factors against suicidal ideation in non-autistic youth (Gallagher et al. 2014), so digital peer support interventions, such as Tellmi, have the potential to provide effective suicide prevention for autistic young people. 

Tellmi enables autistic young people to connect to each other in safe, anonymous, age-banded and pre-moderated digital peer communities. Prior research with the Autism Research Centre has shown that Tellmi’s evidence-based digital peer and counsellor support solution reduces isolation and breaks down barriers to communication for autistic young people (n=1,880). They describe the Tellmi app as ‘calm’ and appreciate the slower pace created by moderation, while filtering the peer support feed by autism-related topic tags connects them to peers with similar lived experiences. 

Our 2025 Impact Survey (n=852) showed that 15% of Tellmi users have an autism diagnosis, 13% are on an assessment waiting list, and a further 25% believed they are autistic. They are seven times more active than the general user population and make three times more high-risk posts, highlighting Tellmi’s important contribution to preventing suicidal thoughts from becoming suicidal activity among autistic young people. 

Our large, active and high-need population of autistic users has inspired us to develop personalised support that builds on the accessible help already offered by Tellmi. Co-created with autistic young people, the Tellmi+ Autism extension includes specially trained SuperPeer® Volunteers, personalised digital safety plans, and additional resources to support mental health self-management. It also lists available national and local support services so they can identify the help that’s right for them. 

During our research, we identified a particularly high level of suicidality among young people on autism assessment waiting lists for lengthy periods of time, who often don’t have access to waiting well support. Young people who are waiting for a diagnosis of autism are particularly vulnerable since they are 21% more likely to die by suicide than those with a diagnosis (Autism Action, 2024). Without interventions like Tellmi+ Autism being commissioned across the UK, the alarming rates of suicidality among autistic young people will go unchallenged, leading to suicidal behaviours that could have been prevented if the right support was available to them. 

To find out more about Tellmi+ Autism, contact info@tellmi.help.