The Mississippi Department of Mental Health has confirmed that people with neurodivergent diagnoses, including autism and ADHD, are more affected by suicidal thoughts. The department cites how these individuals perceive the world differently as a contributing factor, though experts say the data is still limited.
According to the 2025 Mississippi Autism Advisory Council legislative report, about 32.8 per 1,000 children in the state have autism, aligning with national averages. Research from the past five years shows that 20% of autistic children have experienced suicidal ideation, with 10% attempting suicide. In comparison, non-autistic children reported rates of 14.2% and 4.5%, respectively.
Among adults, 42% of autistic individuals indicated having suicidal thoughts, and 18% reported attempting suicide. Non-autistic adults showed significantly lower rates, with 4.8% experiencing suicidal thoughts and 0.7% attempting suicide. The World Health Organization estimates about 800,000 people worldwide die by suicide each year.
Experts attribute higher risks among autistic populations to factors such as depression, social isolation, loneliness, and rumination on negative emotions. LaBethani May, suicide prevention director at the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, said processing emotions can be challenging for neurodivergent individuals, complicating identification and support.
Mississippi has implemented the 988 crisis hotline, with two call centers that recently achieved a 98% answer rate within the state. The department is working to enhance training for hotline personnel to better assist those with autism. However, confidentiality policies mean that the number of autistic callers remains unknown, as most do not disclose their diagnosis.
State officials are also training educators and expanding public awareness campaigns like ‘Shatter the Silence,’ which provides mental health and suicide prevention training. These sessions aim to help teachers recognize warning signs, though they often lack information about students’ diagnoses due to privacy or disclosure concerns.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to monitor autistic children for signs of depression, such as behavioral regression or social withdrawal, and to foster open communication. The Mississippi Department of Mental Health provides online tools to connect residents with mental health and social services across the state.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
