A Comparison of Two Brief Suicide Prevention Interventions Tailored for Youth on the Autism Spectrum

To develop the SPI-A, clinicians work collaboratively with patients, and when indicated, their family members, to create a list of concrete coping mechanisms to be enacted leading up to or during a crisis. This list can be depicted in writing or pictorially, depending on patient preference. As part of the intervention, patients (and family members, when appropriate) also identify warning signs that signal the need to use the safety plan, as well as a detailed plan for reducing access to lethal means. SPI-A is a stand-alone intervention without a follow-up component.

"SPI-A+ includes SPI-A plus a structured follow-up component. The structured follow-up component of SPI-A+ includes three elements:~1. A brief risk assessment and mood check~2. Review and, if needed, revision of SPI-A~3. Support related to outpatient mental health treatment initiation"