This episode focuses on the mental health difficulties that autistic people commonly experience (including self-harm, suicide, PTSD, and trauma). We also discuss autistic people’s experiences of mental health services and isolation and exclusion from society.

We are joined by University of Nottingham researchers Dr Sarah Cassidy and Victoria Newell, alongside Jon, an autistic researcher at the University of Strathclyde who is investigating autistic trauma and creativity. Jon is also an artist and has been involved in the research with Sarah. Jon shares his experiences as an autistic person and a researcher.

To complement this episode, we have written a short brief summarizing the research and offering a "call to action" to promote meaningful change. You can read the brief ⁠here⁠.

If you're feeling like you want to end your life, it's important to tell someone. Help and support are available right now if you need it. You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone.

If you need someone to talk to, Samaritans are available on 116 123 (UK) for free anytime. They are there to talk and listen.

You can also find further help for suicidal thoughts via the NHS website.

Here are some of the resources discussed in the episode:

Mental Health in Autism (MHAutism) Research Group Autism

Community Priorities for Suicide Prevention Policy Brief

You can also listen to the full Series 1 wherever you get your podcasts.

Get in touch via X/Twitter, Instagram or e-mail.

Hosted by Dr Daniel Jolley (X: ⁠DrDanielJolley)⁠

Edited by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: @graceebaranowski)

Produced by Rachel Grasmeder Allen (X: ⁠@Rachel_GA_⁠ / Instagram: ⁠@neuro_rachel)⁠

Logo creation by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: @graceebaranowski)

Notts Psych Pod team: Dr Daniel Jolley, Prof Nicola Pitchford, Dr Lauren Marsh, Rachel Grasmeder Allen, Grace Baranowski and Florence Lesinski–Tubby.

This podcast was funded by a Research England QR Policy Support award.