Little Kids thinking of suicide

 Little kids thinking of suicide

 

Suicidal ideation is on the rise among all children, particularly teens. What about younger children?  One survey of almost one thousand caregivers for kids with autism between the ages of 8 and 17 across the country, more than 40% reported that their child wanted to die.  The findings were even more frightening when researchers looked more closely at children 8 and younger.   Among this group of very young children with autism,  36.2% reported wanting to die, 35.3% reported wanting to end their lives and 18.1% had thought of a plan.    These rates are all significantly higher than compared to their neurotypical peers.

The very high rate for these young children is particularly concerning because there are few to none screening tools or validated interventions.  Some of the behaviors noted as precursors include, extreme mood swings, withdrawing from friends and family, giving away belongings as if preparing to leave this world.  What is further concerning is that not all children who are at risk show these signs.

Providers of medical service for children with autism are now being encouraged to screen for these mental health issues in very young children.

It is very important for caregivers to be alert to these issues and not to dismiss them because the child is so young.  It is also important for caregivers to press the issue with medical providers in case they are not inclined to do so with young kids.

Suicide is always tragic and complicated.   The good news is that it is also preventable if appropriate mental health services are provided in time.

Unfortunately, our society is just beginning to see mental health as an important health problem that is no more embarrassing than a physical health problem.  There was a time, in the not too distant past, when cancer was something to be hidden.  Now we are looking for cures openly.  We need to bring mental health out of the shadows as well.   Our children need us to be aware.