Suicide and Neurodivergence: Understanding the Links
Explore the facts behind suicide and neurodivergence. A non-clinical, 2-hour awareness session grounded in research and data.
Date and time
Location
Online
Good to know
Highlights
- 2 hours
- Online
Refund Policy
About this event
This specialist awareness session explores the intersection between suicide and neurodivergence, including autism, ADHD, and other cognitive differences. Using current research, coronial data, and key statistics, this session is designed to help attendees build a better understanding of the systemic, diagnostic, and social factors that contribute to increased suicide risk in neurodivergent populations.
This session is not therapeutic or clinical. It does not teach intervention or support strategies.
It is strictly for awareness and understanding.
👥 Who is this for?
This session is open to all attendees and particularly relevant for:
- Professionals in education, healthcare, HR, social care, mental health, and the third sector
- Those working in safeguarding, wellbeing, EDI, public service, or policy-making
- Neurodivergent individuals, parents/carers, and allies
- Anyone wanting to understand the real data behind suicide and neurodivergence — not how to support, but where the risks come from
💡 What we explore:
- Why suicide risk is significantly higher in autistic and ADHD populations
- What current research and coronial studies reveal about neurodivergence and suicide
- The impact of masking, late or missed diagnosis, and misunderstanding of traits
- How gender, ethnicity, trauma history, and LGBTQIA+ identity amplify risk
- The link between diagnostic bias and emotional exhaustion in ND people
- Common myths and misconceptions around neurodivergent people and suicide
⚠️ Important note:
This is not a course on how to help someone in crisis.It does not include clinical content, safeguarding instruction, or suicide prevention skills.
This is an evidence-based awareness session focused on facts, systems, and social patterns — not individual support strategies.
👤 About the Facilitator
This session is delivered by Heike Knip (he/him), founder of The Good Consulting Company, part of Valentina Group Ltd.
Heike is a neurodivergent trainer and speaker with extensive experience working across education, health, social care, and inclusion policy. As both a professional, neurodivergent and a parent, Heike brings personal insight into the realities behind the data — and is passionate about making complex, overlooked topics accessible, honest, and safe.
This session is:
- Neurodivergent-led
- Trauma-informed
- Focused on awareness, not intervention
- Grounded in current research, coronial studies, and lived experience of systems failure
Heike regularly trains organisations including NHS Trusts, councils, charities, and corporate teams on neuroinclusion, psychological safety, and system-wide access.
Frequently asked questions
No. This session is for awareness only. It does not provide clinical advice, suicide intervention training, or therapeutic strategies. It focuses on research, data, and patterns — not support or treatment.
This training includes sensitive topics such as suicide statistics, systemic inequality, and diagnostic bias, but it does not include graphic content or lived experience testimony. It is delivered in a trauma-informed and psychologically safe way.
Yes — as long as participants are aware that suicide will be discussed from a data and systems perspective. You are welcome to observe with your camera and mic off, and step away if needed.
Yes. While the session is especially relevant for professionals (e.g., HR, educators, care staff, EDI leads), it is open to all, including ND people, family members, and allies.
Yes. All participants will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a PDF summary of key statistics and references after the session.
Yes — there will be an optional Q&A via chat box. There is no pressure to speak or share at any time.
The session will be delivered live via Zoom or Microsoft Teams