Many of our rural and interstate families have been relying on Telehealth for their own or their child’s therapy for some years now. While some of the children and adolescents who we are working with have reported that they have adapted well to online learning and therapy, others may not have tried this and may be feeling anxious about this change.

After facilitating at least one hundred groups over the years for autistic children, adolescents, adults, and families, it has been extremely refreshing to create and implement our neurodivergent-affirming programs this year. At The Kidd Clinic, the enthusiasm and careful thought and consideration that our team has poured into the development of each program has been wonderful to observe and be a part of.

Research in recent years has revealed suicide attempt and completion rates are 3-10 times higher amongst autistic individuals than non-autistics, across all age ranges beginning from 10 years of age (Hirvikosk, et al., 2018; Kõlves et al., 2021). In addition, suicide rates are much higher amongst autistic girls and women compared to autistic boys and men which is in contrast with suicide statistics for non-autistics.