Understanding & Supporting Autistic People Who Self-Harm

Self-harm is one of the most distressing behaviours to witness. When an autistic person self-harms, it can be deeply confusing as to why it is happening and what we can do to help.

Topics like this are often avoided but understanding more is essential if we want to truly support autistic individuals in a way that’s safe, respectful and effective.

On 26 June 2025, we are pleased to welcome back Dr Rachel Moseley, Principal Academic in Psychology at Bournemouth University, for this vital webinar. Drawing on both lived experience and academic research, Dr Moseley will shed light on this complex issue with clarity, compassion and evidence-based strategies.

What you will learn:

• What self-harm actually is and why it occurs in both autistic and non-autistic people
• The difference between suicidal and non-suicidal self-harm and why that distinction matters
• How self-harm can look different in autistic individuals
• Why self-harm may develop as a coping mechanism in autism including sensory, emotional and communicative factors
• How to respond safely and supportively as a parent, educator or ally
• What approaches and interventions help and what can unintentionally make things worse

This webinar is essential for anyone who lives with, works with or supports autistic people — whether you're seeing signs of self-harm, have concerns, or simply want to be better informed.

The important bits you need to know:

• All webinars are recorded except where we explicitly state they will not be
• When you sign up, we will send you the link to the webinar. You’ll get reminder emails in the run-up to the event so long as you don’t unsubscribe from Eventbrite emails
• When you join the webinar your camera and microphone are automatically turned off so we cannot see or hear you.
• If you are delayed then don’t worry about joining late.
• If something comes up and you cannot make it then don’t worry as all ticketholders are sent a link to the recording of the webinar the next day. This is then available to you for 30 days.
• Slides, references and CPD certificates are also sent out the next day.
• Join live and you have the chance to ask any questions you might have.
• Any questions or queries, then please email them through to events@sunshine-support.org.uk

About Dr Rachel Moseley

Dr Rachel Moseley completed her PhD in cognitive neuroscience at Cambridge University and is now a Principle Academic at Bournemouth University.

Rachel's researched is centred on autism and the challenges autistic people face during adulthood. One particular area of study is the issues around late-diagnosis, the burden of camouflaging and stigma, aging, and lifespan transition points such as menopause.

Rachel has a passion for increasing the acceptance of neurodivergent minds through public engagement, and improving life for autistic people through my consultancy work and engagement with policy-makers.

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in the webinar are of the presenter and not Sunshine Support as an organisation. The information detailed on this page is accurate at the time of publishing. We reserve the right to change the speaker at any time. There maybe events outside of our control that contribute to this and our intention will always be to ensure the webinar goes ahead and meets the brief as closely as possible.