Understanding & Supporting Autistic People Who Self-Harm

Autism and self-harm; these are two specific topics that can often co-occur for a plethora of reasons, and in a variety of forms. Due to the serious consequences of self-harm, it is vitally important that parents, caregivers and professionals all work to understand self-harm in autistic people, and ensure that they’re appropriately supported. We’ve put together this blog post to address the key questions – what is self-harm, and how can we support autistic people who self-harm?

The Overlaps between Autism and Self-Harm

Autism can very often present alongside other conditions and overlapping difficulties; the terminology used is often ‘comorbid’, but many may prefer the term ‘co-occuring’. Data shows that autistic people are more likely to self-harm than non-autistic people, which really demonstrates the importance of robust support for autistic individuals at risk of self-harm. As champions for SEND parents, their children, of our own children with SEND, and with our own neurodivergence, Sunshine Support is working hard to raise awareness and improve support for autistic people who are self-harming, and we’re extremely pleased to be working with Dr Rachel Moseley in presenting a highly anticipated webinar on the topic. Read on to find out more…

What is defined as ‘self-harm’?

Self-harm is, fundamentally, any behaviour inflicted upon oneself by an individual that causes bodily harm. To ensure that we don’t inadvertently trigger those of you reading this who may struggle with self-harming, we will not list any examples of self-harming behaviours – there are so many different types of self-harming behaviour, and it will vary between individuals. If someone in your life is autistic and struggling with self-harm, or perhaps this applies to yourself, you could benefit from attending our online webinar with Dr Rachel Moseley, Principal Academic in Psychology at. Bournemouth University – read on to find out more.

Reasons For Self-Harm…

There can be so many reasons for an autistic person self-harming; there tends to be many types of ‘trigger’ for self-harming behaviours. This list is not exhaustive and will be different for every autistic individual, and many things from this list may also apply.

• Sensory processing difficulties – struggling to self regulate due to sensory overload
• Increased likelihood of co-occurring mental health conditions leading to self-harm
• Problems recognising, managing and regulating emotions, sometimes referred to alexithymia
• Struggles with  transition and changes at work/home/school
• A cry for help
• To feel control
• As a distraction from distressing intrusive thoughts

What is the difference between self-harming behaviour, and self-injurious behaviour?

There is a distinction between self-harm and self-injury; whilst some autistic people may self-harm, many engage in self-injurious behaviour where harm is not intended, unlike with self-harm. Self-injurious behaviour is very often an attempt to self-regulate, communicate or express distress, and isn’t done to deliberately cause harm. Addressing this distinction is important, to ensure the correctly tailored support is provided.

How can we support autistic individuals who self-harm?

Fundamentally, with love, compassion and patience! In an emergency you should always call 999. If there is no imminent risk to the person or to others, you should contact your GP, who can assess and discuss next steps, as well as checking out any injuries. It would also be helpful to get in contact with any professionals already involved.

There’s various different types of treatment and support for self-harm – therapy and medication tend to be the main basis, and different things will work for each individual. Your GP could also refer you to your nearest community mental health team and refer you for counselling, talking therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), if this therapy is adapted to neurodivergent needs. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) , dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy may also be helpful, according to the National Autistic Society. Other autistic people have found occupational therapy useful in regulating sensory differences that may be related to self-harm.  

In need of more guidance in understanding and supporting an autistic person in your life who is struggling with self-harm? Our webinar with Dr Rachel Moseley will be incredibly insightful and helpful…

Join our webinar on Understanding & Supporting Autistic People Who Self-Harm

We hope that you’ve found our blog post on understanding & supporting autistic people who self-harm informative and validating – why not register for our online webinar on this topic, which will be led by expert Dr Rachel Moseley? Find out more below.

Self-harm is very frightening and upsetting to observe in loved ones. Why do so many autistic people self-harm, and what can be done to help? In this talk, Dr Rachel Moseley (Principal Academic in Psychology, Bournemouth University) will draw on lived experience and her research to discuss:

• What is self-harm?

• What’s the difference between suicidal and non-suicidal self-harm, and does this difference matter?

• How common is self-harm in autistic people, and what does it look like?

• Why do autistic people self-harm?

• How should we support autistic people who self-harm?

Slides, references and CPD certificates will be available to attendees along with a recording to watch again for up to 30 days afterwards. If you subscribe to the Sunshine Academy, you can access most of our webinars and other resources, as well as a great community board where our advocates are active.

If you’re keen to join us on this webinar, get in quickly as spaces are filling up quickly!

Watch this space for our YouTube video content covering Autism & Self-Harm – for now, why not come and subscribe?