Published on 12, July, 2020
I've written on here many times as my obsession is with suicide prevention, which I have got caught up with in a big way, but do not want to die , but realise that we autistics have a very high risk of this.
I've tried the usual things with drugs, psychotherapy etc and in my quest (as a research doctor) , I ve now set up a major research group , with many of the National experts in the country. It has taken years to get to this point but we are approaching a launch and I wondered about others opinions as to a useful avenue.
Existing services are largely medical ( with no evidence they save lives) and listening eg Samaritans (who NEVER give advice), but always listen and chat to ask you about your worries.
We will have a launch to thousands of people. and I feel we need a NEW service that is effective. Many suicidal thoughts relate to problems which are not medical (they are about relationships, finance, legal matters etc) so my idea is to give free access to any experts who wish to register and help with suicidal distress with anonymised (safe advice) I know my problems would have been helped with legal advice, rather than medical.
So FREE EXPERT ADVICE , but creation of a record to monitor peoples requests/ story / perhaps suicide risk factors and safety factors
Do you think this service would be useful and popular? It would all be free and rely on people donating their expertise for free (anonymised).
It would all be on an anonymised database (which could be researched) , but data GDPR security would be essential.
Any thoughts?
I believe this to be an excellent idea. There is a huge gap in many areas of those on the spectrum.
I am the parent if a 31 year old Asperger's son who experienced a bit of a breakdown in the last couple of days the gist of which were 'who would want to love someone like this who doesn't know how to talk to new people and who has this broken body. It's not worth being here'
My overriding worry I have for my son is that he needs to know how to begin a meaningful relationship but when I try to advise him, he says to stop voicing platitudes, I don't know who can help him.
If there is a professional or group that has knowledge, understanding and actual experience and evidence on how to go forward with this complex issue, this would be a real breakthrough
This may also open discussion on the number of those who are on the spectrum and have been detained or imprisoned? Frustration, inability to express themselves coherently, anger, rejection etc etc.
Apologies for the length of my message but hope you accept there is a definite need for development in this area for those on the spectrum including teenagers (who may be experiencing puberty) and adults.
Regards, Sue
What type of person do you feel could most help your son - a psychologist, a counsellor?
We aim to provide something which is not easily available elsewhere, but what is needed?