Suicidality in mothers of autistic children

The aim of the study was to identify and analyze suicidality among mothers of children with autism. Material and methods: anonymous internet interview of 84 mothers of children with autism for the presence or absence of suicidal thoughts, intentions and history of committed suicidal attempts in connection with the child illness, followed by more detailed examinations or extramural follow-up. Results : Presumptive moods were found in 72.6% of mothers. About half of them at one time or another thought about the method of suicide, almost always with the involvement of a child. A quarter of respondents had a history of thinking about specific suicidal intentions, the most frequent variant of which was a premeditated car crash. 8% of women had a history of suicidal attempts, which they thought was caused by the child's illness. Two respondents told about the initiated, but interrupted suicidal attempts involving the child. Two more reported suicide attempts without participation of children...