Thursday, 23 January 2020
A researcher from the University of Nottingham has been recognised for the impact of her work to prevent suicide developed in partnership with people diagnosed with autism.
Dr Sarah Cassidy from the School of Psychology won the National Autistic Society's prestigious Autism Professionals Awards, in the most impactful researcher category.
Dr Cassidy’s research focuses on understanding and preventing mental health problems, self-harm and suicide and has been developed in partnership with autistic people.
Our research discovered that as many as 66% of autistic adults feel suicidal at some point in their life. Since then, we have worked in partnership with autistic people to identify what future research and public policy should focus on. Together we have raised awareness of the high risk of suicide in autistic people, influenced clinical guidelines, and increased research, funding and attention from policy makers to tackle this urgent issue head on. I’m delighted that our life saving work is being recognised by the National Autistic Society with this award and I don’t see this as just my award, but recognition of all the autistic people and their families who have joined me on this important journey and what we have achieved together to prevent suicide in autistic people”
The annual awards recognise people, services and schools across the UK who are making a difference to autistic people and their families. The winners were announced at a special ceremony on 27 February at Birmingham Town Hall, following the first day of the National Autistic Society’s Professionals Conference.
Dr Cassidy was shortlisted by an independent panel of autism specialists, who were looking for high standards of innovation, creativity, impact and sustainability. By celebrating their achievements, the National Autistic Society hopes to increase public understanding of autism and inspire other people and organisations to make a difference too. There are 13 awards for individuals and organisations, covering education, health, social care, employment, and volunteering.
There are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. Many autistic people need extra time to process information, like questions or instructions, feel intense anxiety in social or unexpected situations and find noise, and bright lights painful and distressing.
Every autistic person is different and will have their own strengths and challenges. Some autistic people might need 24-hour care; others may need clearer communication or a little longer to do things at school or work. Without the right support or understanding, autistic people can miss out on an education, struggle to find work and become extremely isolated.
Carol Povey, Director of the National Autistic Society’s Centre for Autism, said: “Our awards celebrate exceptional people, schools and services making a huge difference to autistic children and adults, and their families.
“All the finalists should be commended for impressing the judges and standing out among so many excellent nominations.
“We want to celebrate their achievements and share their stories, so we can promote innovative autism practice and inspire other people and organisations to help create a society that works for autistic people."
Find out more about autism, the Autism Professionals Awards and the Professionals Conference by visiting: autism.org.uk/professionals
Story credits
More information on the research is available from Dr Sarah Cassidy at the University of Nottingham on sarah.cassidy@nottingham.ac.uk or Jane Icke Media Relations Manager for the Faculty of Science at the University of Nottingham, on 0115 951 5751 or jane.icke@nottingham.ac.uk. For more information about the Autism Professionals Awards and the Professionals Conference, please contact the National Autistic Society’s media team at press@nas.org.uk.
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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