Suicide PREVENTION

Kennedy Krieger’s medical and behavioral clinics screen patients for thoughts of suicide. A few key questions can be lifesaving.

“Our staff members recognize that suicidal thoughts and behaviors are medical issues that can have serious health consequences to the child,” Dr. Lipkin adds. “This screening is as important as any other health screening that we do.”

This past July, Kennedy Krieger hosted Maryland’s first Youth Suicide Prevention Summit in collaboration with the Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Fifty key leaders in healthcare from across the state collaborated on how to better prevent youth suicide.

“It’s only by being open to talking about suicide that we can identify children who need our help and get them the care they need,” says Dr. Suzanne Rybczynski, the Institute’s former associate chief medical officer, who organized the summit. “Suicide prevention is the goal, because every suicide is a tragedy and a huge loss for all of us.” – LT

To read about Institute research on autism and suicidality, use the QR code or visit: KennedyKrieger.org/AutismSuicideRisk