Family advocates for autism awareness after teen suicide
Thank you. Thank you all. I’ve prepared the following statement. I’m grateful to all who have given evidence during this inquest. I commend Wickham Abbey School for the reviews and changes that have taken place following this tragedy, and I continue to have much gratitude for the educators and healthcare professionals across our nation. Today the learned coroner Crispin Butler stated. The big hole in this inquest is Caitlin’s diary. It is a very, very unusual inquest. The Karn is right. Caitlin left a uniquely comprehensive 5 year account of her life. However. I wonder whether her narrative was fully heard. I still wonder whether autism was appropriately considered in the context of Caitlin’s actions. The statistics are indisputable. One in three autistic people have experienced suicidal ideation, and nearly one in four have attempted suicide. This means that autistic people are 7 times more likely to die by suicide than non autistic people, and suicide is one of the two main causes of death in autistic people. To honor Caitlin and support the broader autistic community, it is right to reflect on whether there has been appropriate due diligence in this event investigation. I will consider options and revert in due course. Thank you very much.