Autism Foundation of Oklahoma

PROJECT PURPOSE

This project has two aims: 1) increase autism acceptance and 2) improve social inclusion of autistic people for the purpose of addressing suicide among autistic adults. Rates of suicidal behaviors and mental health conditions are higher in autistic people compared to others. The COVID-19 pandemic increased social exclusion of autistic people and reduced AFO?s outreach capacity. Two of AFO?s outreach priorities - autism acceptance and social inclusion - can protect against poor mental health, exacerbation of mental health issues, and poor quality of life among autistic people, and are tools in suicide prevention. This project will result in outreach activities that center on autism acceptance and social inclusion educational toolkits, trainings for professionals and community members, employment, and public safety.

EVIDENCE

Rates of mental health issues and suicidal behaviors are higher in autistic people compared to others (Culpin et al., 2018; Kirby et al., 2019; Kõlves et al., 2021, Lai et al, 2019; Conner et al, 2020; McMaughan et al, 2022). Social inclusion can prevent poor mental health among autistic people (Kapp et al, 2018; Segers et al, 2014; Cage et al, 2018; Griffith et al, 2012; Milton & Sims, 2016; Renty & Roeyers, 2007; Gotham et al, 2015; Kamio et al, 2013; Cottenceau et a, 2012; Coussens et al, 2012).

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Rates of suicidal behaviors are higher in autistic people compared to others. Autistic people experience greater rates of co-occurring mental health conditions compared to others. Eighty percent of autistic youth experience at least one mental health condition and nearly half are diagnosed with at least two mental health conditions. Psychiatric hospitalizations accounted for a quarter of the top reasons for hospitalization and more than a third of all inpatient stays among autistic youth. Rates of mental health conditions may be even higher as diagnostic overshadowing, where the symptoms of mental health conditions are attributed to autism rather than the mental health condition, contributing to underdiagnosing. Social inclusion can protect against poor mental health, exacerbation of mental health issues, and poor quality of life among autistic people. Lack of social inclusion may help explain the increased rates of anxiety and depression and can affect suicidality. Autistic people are at a greater risk of being bullied which leads to a greater risk of mental health issues like anxiety. Camouflaging is used by autistic people to hide autistic traits and is associated with poorer mental health. Higher levels of autism acceptance lead to lower levels of mental distress among autistic people. (Sources attached)

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Output measure: Number of community members trained in autism awareness and social inclusion. Number of employers who hire autistic adults. Number of sensory kits provided to public safety organizations. Outcomes measure: Percentage of employers who feel comfortable/very comfortable hiring autistic adults. Percentage of unemployed autistic adults who gain employment. Percentage of autistic adults ?satisfied? or ?very satisfied with employment. Percentage of community members who score ?high? on autism awareness and social inclusion.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma