A Comparison of Two Brief Suicide Prevention Interventions Tailored for Youth on the Autism Spectrum

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, CHAPEL HILL · May 25, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different suicide prevention strategies specifically designed for young people on the autism spectrum. The goal is to see which approach—either a Safety Planning Intervention tailored for autistic individuals (SPI-A) or the same intervention with added follow-up support (SPI-A+)—is more effective, feasible, and acceptable for helping these youth who might be at risk for suicide. This research is important because young people with autism are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and finding the best ways to support them is a priority.

To participate in the trial, you need to be between 12 and 24 years old, able to understand and speak English, and have already received a safety plan during a clinical visit. If you're under 18, you'll need permission from a parent or guardian. Participants can expect to engage in one of the two intervention strategies and have their experiences evaluated to help improve future suicide prevention efforts for autistic youth. The trial is currently recruiting participants, and both clinicians and health system leaders involved in the care of autistic youths can also take part in the study. Your involvement could help shape better support for young people facing these challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Patient Participants
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 12-24 years old
• • Able and willing to provide informed consent (age ≥18) or assent and parental consent (age \<18)
• • Able to speak English
• • Have received a safety plan tailored for autistic youth during a clinical visit
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Altered mental status that precludes ability to provide informed assent or consent (acute psychosis, intoxication, or mania)
• • Clinician Participants
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Employment as a provider serving autistic patients at one of the study sites
• • Employment in a role that involves suicide risk intervention with youth patients at a participating clinic
• • Able to read and speak English
• • Able and willing to provide informed consent
• • 18-99 years old
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • There are no exclusion criteria for the clinician participants
• • Health System Leader Participants
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Health system or clinic leader at one of the study sites
• • Employed in a role that provides administrative oversight to clinicians conducting safety plans with patients
• • Able to read and speak English
• • Able and willing to provide informed consent
• • 18-99 years old
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • There are no exclusion criteria for the health system leader participants