Neal and Samara Tricarico noticed their son Anthony was different from a young age. After alarming episodes, including pulling out his hair, Anthony was diagnosed with anxiety and later, high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Initially, Anthony thrived academically and socially, enjoying friendships and fitness activities. However, the pandemic brought a severe decline in his mental health, leading him to confide feelings of suicidal thoughts to a close friend shortly before his tragic suicide at 16.
The rise of youth suicide, particularly among autistic children, is alarming. Studies show that autistic teens have a significantly higher rate of suicidal ideation and attempts compared to their peers. The situation is even more critical for those who are exceptionally intelligent. Unfortunately, there is a disturbing lack of research and discussion about these overlaps, rendering families and professionals ill-equipped to support affected youth.
Dr. Mayank Gupta, a psychiatrist, has seen a troubling trend: many teens struggling with suicide attempts possess undiagnosed or misdiagnosed autism. They often experience social difficulties and may feel isolated despite academic success. The pressure of masking their social skills can be overwhelming. Gupta states that autism goes unnoticed, leading to suffering and high suicide risk, particularly among intelligent youths.
Samia McCall remembers her daughter Maisa as a brilliant yet socially awkward girl who felt uncomfortable fitting in. Despite being in a gifted programme, Maisa’s struggles intensified, culminating in her first suicide attempt at 13. Samia believes her daughter was likely autistic but faced resistance from mental health professionals who didn’t recognise her symptoms. Tragically, Maisa died by suicide at 14, prompting Samia to advocate for autism and mental health awareness.
Anthony’s journey also ended in tragedy after spending weeks in hospital; his parents honour him by starting the Endurant Movement, dedicating efforts to mental health awareness. They believe in openly discussing suicide, removing stigma to encourage dialogue that may save lives. The conversation surrounding autism and suicide is just beginning, and healthcare professionals must listen and act.
The tragic stories of Anthony and Maisa highlight the urgent need for comprehensive support and understanding for autistic youths, particularly regarding mental health issues, to prevent further loss of life.
The article delves into the tragic stories of teens Anthony and Maisa, whose struggles with autism and mental health ultimately led to their suicides. It highlights the higher suicide rates among autistic youth, particularly those who are highly intelligent, and calls for increased awareness, research, and open discussions to address these urgent issues and prevent further tragedies. The parents of both teens advocate for mental health awareness and the need for proper understanding of autism in relation to mental health.
The heart-wrenching stories of Anthony and Maisa highlight the desperate need for increased awareness and action surrounding autism and mental health, especially concerning the rising rates of suicide among autistic youth. Their experiences illustrate how undiagnosed autism can exacerbate mental health struggles, leading to tragic outcomes. It is crucial for families, educators, and mental health professionals to engage in open conversations, dismantling stigma, and providing appropriate support to effectively address these pressing issues.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
