Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in People on the Autism Spectrum (1 credit hour)

Program Summary:   This course reviews recent literature on suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people on the autism spectrum.  Emerging research on suicide risk factors, screening, assessment, and treatment is discussed. The course offers the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide as a possible framework and explores concepts of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired capability for suicide.  Recommendations for future research is included.

This course is recommended for social workers, counselors, and therapists and is appropriate for beginning and intermediate levels of practice.  

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Reading #1: Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in People on the Autism Spectrum / Current Psychiatry Reports  Reading #2:  Autism Spectrum Disorder / NIMH

Find CDC Developmental Milestones information here.

Course Objectives:  To enhance professional practice, values, skills, and knowledge by examining emerging research on suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people on the autism spectrum.

Learning Objectives:  Describe the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide. Describe emerging research on possible risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors for individuals with autism.  Identify considerations for screening, assessment, and treatment.

Review our pre-reading study guide.

Course Available Until: September 30, 2029.

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1: A growing body of research suggests that rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors are higher among
 
 
2: Elevated tolerance to pain and reduced fear of death over time describes
 
 
 
 
3: To 'fit in' in a world designed for neurotypical individuals, autistic people may mask their autistic traits, describing
 
 
 
 
4: In their research with adolescents, Liu et al. demonstrated that experiencing more than _________ painful, fearful, or traumatic experience(s) may be particularly pernicious with regards to suicide risk.
 
 
 
 
5: Which of the following describes a debilitating experience characterized by exhaustion, withdrawal, diminished executive functioning, reduced tolerance to stimuli, and loss of skills due to the stress of living in a neurotypical world?
 
 
 
 
6: _________ diagnosis of autism is a potential risk factor for STB.
 
 
7: Cleary et al. note that across 28 studies examining how autistic individuals access mental health services, __________ mention accessing hotlines.
 
 
 
 
8: Dialectical Behavior Therapy focuses on teaching and enhancing motivation to use skills across four key domains:  mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and __________.
 
 
 
 
9: Reading #2://  Autism is described as a 'developmental disorder' because symptoms generally appear in the first ________ years of life.
 
 
 
 
10: People on the autism spectrum may have many strengths, including
 
 
 
 

In order to purchase or take this course, you will need to log in. If you do not have an account, you will need to register for a free account.

After you log in, a link will appear here that will allow you to purchase this course.

G.M. Rydberg-Cox, MSW, LSCSW is the Continuing Education Director at Free State Social Work and responsible for the development of this course.  She received her Masters of Social Work in 1996 from the Jane Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois-Chicago and she has over 20 years of experience.  She has lived and worked as a social worker in Chicago, Boston, and Kansas City. She practiced for many years in the area of hospital/medical social work.  The reading materials for this course were developed by another organization.

Course Available Until: September 30, 2029.
Filed under: Clinical, Suicide Prevention