Published on 12, July, 2020
I have been running a small group of academics for suicide prevention in autism for a few months now and I feel we may get something useful. Included in the group are Prof Simon Baron Cohen and Sara Cassidy. We share ideas , but I seem to be coming up with the major ones.
there’s a group of autistic people which has met to discuss this and concluded we are never taken seriously, drugs are pretty useless, psychiatrists response is poor and inappropriate.
I have been trying for funding and help to have an autistic arm to the Stay Alive app. The app seems well researched and well supported
We could include a Database studying online suicidal ideation in Autism as well as specific routes of advice.
my big idea is to have an Alexa type artificial intelligence system to offer an online reply consultation with the computer. No humans involved as I have found Samaritans etc, kind but always avoid advice.
This system could give research based advice as my experience of mental health services are thats they are terrible with suicidal ideation in autism
what do you think?
I used the Stay Alive app last year. I put pictures of my parents on it, but the sad thing is they won't be around forever and one day I won't have much of a reason to keep on going.
I found Samaritans gave me very cookie cutter copy and paste advice which made me feel worse because of how impersonal it was, I really felt that nobody cared after contacting them. I probably need some real 1on1 therapy from an actual person who gets to know me and my issues. I am not sure an AI could suffice in that regard, because it is the idea that somebody cares that you really need.
Having tried to use chat bots on websites for various services, they are hopeless at finding what you need and only able to regurgitate stock responses based on keywords.
I thought that a person's problem could be sent to all on "the panel" and then answers given from each of the types of responses. Responders could vote for which ever response they feel is best
I understand what you mean about stereotyped answers from some services. I use samaritans more to offload the intense stuff because I feel my friends and family would worry too much so I'm okay with the typical responses. Perhaps you could mention to the people on these services that is how you feel. I'm very upfront in a tactful way about how I am feeling in any given moment but am acutely aware of how it could affect the other person. Sometimes I get so frustrated with this need to be perfect that I let it all out but this is rare.
I feel the same way about thinking about my mum not being around anymore as she is the one who really gets me. I think it's a negative train of thought because no one knows how the future will unfold. The new normal of life without your parents may have some wonderful moments and everything in between.
Are you finding posting on here more helpful? Perhaps email one of us on here when things are too much?
I hope you find the relief you need in something.
H :-)