AANE May 2023 Newsletter:
Depression & Suicide Prevention
Warning: This newsletter focusses on the topics of depression and suicide prevention and contains links to articles about severe depression, suicidal ideation, and the experience of being a suicide loss survivor.
Please note that AANE is not a hotline and does not provide emergency behavioral health services. If you or someone you know is experiencing an emergency, contact 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
The prevalence of depression and suicide in the Autistic community requires honest and frequent discussion to increase awareness, remove stigma, and improve resources. Read perspectives that illuminate these critically important topics.
Looking for upcoming events? Buttons in sections below link to listings for each group in our community.
See what’s happening this month and beyond in the AANE Calendar.
Autism and Depression
Depression isn’t the same as sadness. It can be all consuming and long lasting, and difficult for the person to escape the internal narrative of despair. Executive Director Brenda Dater discusses the intersection of depression and autism, and what she has learned from her Autistic daughter’s experience.
I Am Not the Cloud: How I Got Through Lifelong Depression
Many Autistic individuals experience depression throughout their lives. One Autistic adult shares her history with depression and her continuing journey of self-understanding.
Click here for the current listing of events, support groups, and social activities for Autistic adults, including a six-part workshop, Alcohol and Other Substances for Adults, the workshop, Asperger/Autism 101 for Adults, and much more.
When caregivers and family members become concerned their Autistic loved one is showing signs of suicidal ideation, they might be afraid to talk about it. Read three key steps caregivers and family members can take to help break the silence.
Learn more about upcoming events, workshops, and support groups for parents and families, including the webinar From Community to Culture – Valuing the Autistic Identity, the webinar, Financial Planning for Autistic Individuals and Their Families, and much more.
Professionals without autism-specific training may unintentionally miss suicide warning signs and be unsupportive to the Autistic community in crisis situations. An Autistic individual who is a crisis support consultant and a suicide loss survivor shares her expertise.
AANE’s Intensive Autism Coach Training (IACT) (formerly known as AsperCoach) is now accepting applications for in-person training this summer at our Watertown, MA office. Life coaches, high school & college counselors, social workers, and similar human service professionals will learn to develop appropriate coaching goals and use innovative techniques to improve and extend their coaching practices. Space is limited; applications must be received by June 5.
Individualized life coaching program for Autistic older teens & adults
LifeMAP coaches can help clients identify and access different mental health providers they may need so they are better able to navigate life and reach their goals. Learn more about LifeMAP.
LifeNet
Team-based support to help Autistic adults optimize independence
The LifeNet team helps Autistic adults form partnerships with additional providers to address essential areas of life including support for their mental and physical health. Learn more about LifeNet.
Neurodiverse Couples Institute
Resources for couples and couples therapists/coaches
Please note that AANE is not a hotline and does not provide emergency behavioral health services. If you or someone you know is experiencing an emergency, contact 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
