Currently, there is no autism specific crisis line anywhere. People on the autism spectrum are at a higher risk of suicide and suicide attempts than the general population. The numbers of suicides and attempts are likely higher than reported, as many cases are possibly misrepresented as missing person cases, elopement, or "accidental" deaths. People at all ends of the autism spectrum are at equal risk.
Mental health challenges often present differently in autistic people than in the non autistic population. Communication needs are often different, so a crisis line would need to provide several different communication options such as Skype, texting, online chat, phone line (both cell phone and landline), and any other communication methods you can think of.
I understand these are trying times. Fundraising will have to be done. But a crisis can also bring the best out of people. Please work together to create a crowdfunding campaign to make this a reality. Please also sign this Parliamentarian petition before November.
https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-4487
