Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Dear Neurodivergent Galaxy Community,
As we observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, I want to take this opportunity to share a deeply personal part of my story and the reason why I founded Neurodivergent Galaxy. My journey began with an advocacy project last summer as part of the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities Partners in Policymaking program. During this project, I learned some alarming truths about the mental health of people with Autism, particularly women.
Studies show that people with disabilities, especially autistic individuals, have significantly higher rates of mental health conditions, and women with Autism are four times more likely to die by suicide compared to the neurotypical population. Shockingly, those with co-occurring mental health issues have a 92% higher suicide rate than those without Autism, yet there is a significant lack of culturally appropriate, neuro-affirming mental health services for our community.
Evidence shows that 66% of autistic people have considered suicide, compared to just 17% of the general population. Research also suggests that autistic people are more likely to die by suicide than the neurotypical population, yet research is lacking, especially in the US, on how to prevent it in a way that works for the neurodivergent brain. This knowledge gap is critical, and it motivates me to continue advocating for change.
You are not alone
Since the age of ten, I’ve struggled with suicidal thoughts, and I never want anyone to feel as alone as I once did. This is why I began my peer recovery support journey at the College of DuPage and an internship at NAMI DuPage, determined to make a difference in accessibility within mental health spaces for people with disabilities.
Neurodivergent Galaxy was born out of this passion—to advocate for neuro-affirming practices, increase accessibility, and create a sense of empowerment and belonging for people who identify as neurodivergent while navigating mental health care.
We’re not just creating a space for resources—we’re fostering a community that understands. It’s okay not to be okay, but it’s not okay to suffer alone. Help is out there, and together, we can bridge the gaps and support each other.
One of our key initiatives is teaching rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, promoting self-advocacy skills, and encouraging mental health safety plans for neurodivergent individuals.
Research has shown that people with disabilities, especially autistic people, are more at risk of self-harm and suicide, yet no suicide prevention interventions have been specifically developed for us. Our customized and adapted safety plans are designed with and for adults with disabilities and mental health challenges like you to meet their unique needs, helping them and their supporters create personalized steps for times of crisis. Safety plans are used in a variety of mental health settings and there are many models like the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Safety Plan have proven effective in reducing self-harm and suicidal behaviors, and the Autism Adapted Safety Plan for folks with autism and similar neurodivergent thinking and communication styles.
We’re proud to offer self-advocacy support on how to complete plans, body doubling (working alongside another person while completing tasks), accountability sessions in our 1:1, group, technical assistance, and recorded services.
In September we are offering a 15-minute one-on-one support session to get your safety plan started for only $20. Limited spots are available.
Let’s continue to raise awareness, support one another, and advocate for a world where neurodivergent people can access the care and support, we deserve.
Warm regards,
Beth Carey
Founder, Neurodivergent Galaxy
P.S. Feel free to share this with someone who might benefit. They can sign up here to get our periodic newsletters and resources in their mailbox.
References, Resources, and Links:
If you need crisis-level support:
US call/text 988 or
UK text SHOUT to 85258 in the UK for crisis resources
or visit our resource page for more options.
Resources:
Autism Adapted Safety Plan: Download Here
National Autistic Society on Autism and Suicide: Learn More
Autism, Suicide, and Safety Planning: Explore More
Learn more about WRAP Plans Here
Autistica. (n.d.). Autism and suicide. National Autistic Society. Retrieved from https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/autism-suicide
Autistica. (n.d.). Safety planning. Retrieved from https://sites.google.com/view/mentalhealthinautism/resources/safety-plan?authuser=0
College of DuPage. (n.d.). Recovery support specialist. Retrieved from https://www.cod.edu/academics/programs/human-services/recovery-support-specialist.html
Illinois Department of Human Services. (n.d.). Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP®). Retrieved from https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=88013
NAMI DuPage. (n.d.). NAMI DuPage. Retrieved from https://namidupage.org/
Newcastle University. (n.d.). Autism adapted safety plans. Retrieved from https://research.ncl.ac.uk/neurodisability/leafletsandmeasures/autismadaptedsafetyplans/
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Safety plan [988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline]. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/988/safety-plan
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). Suicide Prevention Month. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/observances/suicide-prevention-month
Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities. (2023). Partners in Policymaking marketing brochure: Class 3 [PDF]. Retrieved from https://icdd.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/icdd/documents/partners-in-policymaking-marketing-brochure-class-3.pdf
