Addressing Suicide Risk in Autistic Youth: A Preliminary Study of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician Attitudes

Autistic youth often present to the emergency department with psychiatric concerns, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors. While implementation of suicide prevention practices is essential in the emergency department, guidelines specific to the autism population are not available and suicide risk assessment and management for autistic youth may be challenging for providers. This pilot study evaluated pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physician training, attitudes, and confidence in assessing and managing suicide risk in autistic compared to non-autistic patient populations. We also explored the relationship between prior training and confidence. PEM physicians' confidence in providing suicide-related care was significantly lower for autistic compared to non-autistic youth. Prior training in autism, but not in youth suicide, predicted confidence. Results suggest improved supports for emergency department providers are needed to promote suicide risk identification and intervention for autistic youth.