Sarah Cassidy

My research aims to understand and prevent mental health problems, self-injury and suicide in partnership with autistic people. My ESRC funded research developed new assessment tools with and for autistic adults, to help clinicians and researchers more effectively identify and explore depression, suicidal thoughts and suicidal behaviours in autistic people. My research funded by Autistica explored why autistic people may be more likely to die by suicide than other groups, and develop new ways to prevent suicide in autistic people. My research is designed in partnership with the autistic community, to ensure that our work is relevant and helpful to the community. I have received funding from Autistica and the International Society for Autism Research to identify the top 10 research and policy priorities to prevent suicide in partnership with autistic people and their allies.