Understanding Early Signals of Psychological Distress and Self-Harm in Neurodivergent Young People and Adults

Why is the research needed?

Neurodivergent people, including those with autism and ADHD, are at increased risk of psychological distress, yet their emotional difficulties are often misinterpreted as “challenging behaviour” rather than recognised as indicators of unmet need. This misrecognition can delay support, heighten distress and increase the risk of self‑harm or mental health crises. Despite the importance of early identification, little is known about how families, educators and healthcare professionals recognise and respond to distress in neurodivergent individuals.

What are we doing?

Through this project, we will address these gaps through a systematic review of healthcare professionals’ experiences of supporting neurodivergent young people who self‑harm, alongside a qualitative study exploring risk factors and lived experiences of distress, self‑harm and suicidal thoughts. Longer term, we will establish a Neurodiversity Advisory Group to guide inclusive research and inform the development of responsive, neurodiversity‑affirming approaches to mental health support.

How are we working with communities, services and organisations?

We are working closely with neurodivergent communities, families, educators and healthcare organisations to ensure the research reflects lived experience and service realities. Early engagement has involved neurodiversity charities, peer‑support groups, parent networks, schools and clinicians, who have contributed to refining the research questions and shaping accessible study materials. These partners will support recruitment, advise on culturally and cognitively appropriate approaches, and help interpret findings to ensure they are meaningful for those most affected by distress and self‑harm. Healthcare professionals across primary care, CAMHS, crisis teams and specialist neurodevelopmental services will provide insight into current pathways, challenges in recognising distress, and opportunities for improving early support. Longer term, the establishment of a Neurodiversity Advisory Group will embed ongoing collaboration, ensuring that future research, guidance and implementation activities remain inclusive, responsive and grounded in the priorities of neurodivergent people and the organisations that support them

What will the impact and benefits of this research be?

We will provide urgently needed evidence to improve how psychological distress and self‑harm are recognised and responded to in neurodivergent young people. By combining a systematic review of professional experiences with qualitative accounts of distress, self‑harm and suicidal thoughts, the study will identify gaps in current practice and highlight opportunities for earlier, more effective support. Findings will inform neurodiversity‑affirming approaches across education, healthcare and community settings, helping professionals distinguish distress from behaviours often labelled as “challenging.” Establishing a Neurodiversity Advisory Group will ensure ongoing influence on future research, training and service development, supporting more responsive and equitable mental health pathways.

What do we have planned for knowledge mobilisation and implementation?

We will integrate Knowledge mobilisation throughout the project to ensure findings are accessible, actionable and reach the communities and services best placed to use them. Neurodiversity charities, parent networks, schools and healthcare professionals will be involved in interpreting emerging insights and shaping how they are shared. Interim findings will be disseminated through advisory groups, practitioner briefings and clear summaries for families and young people.

Related papers, outputs and resources

Final outputs—including evidence syntheses, practice recommendations and neurodiversity‑affirming guidance—will be shared through academic publications, professional networks, training sessions and collaborations with education and healthcare partners. Establishing a Neurodiversity Advisory Group will support ongoing co‑production and help embed findings into future practice, improving early identification and crisis responses for neurodivergent individuals.