Mindscape’s Mission

Mindscape’s Mission: Reducing Suicide and Incarceration Rates in Neurodivergent Communities

At Mindscape Neurodiversity Institute, our most important goals are to reduce the suicide rates in autistic individuals and the incarceration rates in those with ADHD. Achieving this requires targeted interventions, early diagnosis, and collaboration with the larger community, including companies that neurodivergent individuals actively engage with.

Suicide Rates in Autistic Individuals

Suicide is a significant concern within the autistic community, with research showing elevated rates compared to the general population:

• Increased Risk:
  • Autistic individuals are 9 times more likely to die by suicide compared to the general population.
  • 66% of autistic adults have contemplated suicide at least once in their lifetime.
  • Research from Sweden suggests autistic women are at a particularly high risk, with an almost 13-fold increased risk of suicide.
• Contributing Factors:
  • Late or no diagnosis: Many autistic individuals, especially women and non-binary people, are diagnosed later in life or not at all, leading to feelings of isolation and depression.
  • Mental Health Comorbidities: Conditions like anxiety and depression are more prevalent in autistic individuals—around 70-80% experience one or both.
  • Social Isolation: Difficulties in forming relationships or maintaining meaningful social connections often lead to loneliness, further increasing suicidal ideation.

Incarceration Rates in ADHD Individuals

ADHD is linked to an increased likelihood of criminal behavior and incarceration, particularly in individuals who are undiagnosed or untreated.

• Increased Incarceration Risk:
  • 25-40% of incarcerated individuals in the U.S. have ADHD.
  • Adults with untreated ADHD are 5 times more likely to be incarcerated than the general population.
• Juvenile Justice System:
  • Children with ADHD are more likely to engage in impulsive behaviors, leading to increased conflict with the law. 30-50% of incarcerated youth have ADHD.
  • Lack of early diagnosis and support contributes to school expulsions, leading to a pathway into the criminal justice system.
• Role of Comorbidities:
  • Conduct Disorder (CD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) are common comorbid conditions in ADHD individuals, particularly in those who face incarceration. Over 50% of youth with ADHD exhibit ODD or CD symptoms.
  • Substance abuse is also more prevalent, with individuals with ADHD being twice as likely to develop substance use disorders.

Barriers and Challenges

• Underdiagnosis and Misdiagnosis: Both ADHD and autism are often underdiagnosed, particularly in minorities and women, leading to a lack of support early on.
• Stigma and Lack of Support: Neurodivergent individuals often face stigma and discrimination, leading to reduced access to mental health services and community support.

The Importance of Intervention

• Suicide Prevention:
  • Access to mental health care, early diagnosis, and community support networks significantly reduce suicide risks.
  • Programs that teach autistic individuals coping mechanisms for social isolation and stress have shown positive results in reducing suicide rates.
• Reducing Incarceration:
  • Effective treatment for ADHD, including behavioral therapy and medication, can significantly reduce criminal behavior. Treatment with medication in ADHD individuals has been shown to lower the risk of criminal convictions by 30-40%.
  • Schools and community-based interventions that provide accommodations for ADHD can prevent the school-to-prison pipeline by helping students manage impulsivity and reducing expulsions or suspensions.

Corporate Partnerships and Validation

One crucial aspect of our mission is forging partnerships with companies that neurodivergent individuals actively engage with. These partnerships, with companies like Union Pacific, Corsair Gaming, Steam, and others, validate neurodivergent individuals as not only active consumers but as valued members of society. Whether it’s a passion for trains, planes, or gaming, these fields hold significant meaning for many neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with specific special interests.

When major companies acknowledge the neurodivergent community, it sends a powerful message: You are seen, and you matter. This kind of validation inspires confidence and hope, crucial elements in reducing the isolation that can lead to suicidal thoughts in autistic individuals or the disengagement that might lead to behavioral issues for those with ADHD.

As part of my daily efforts, I am continuously sending emails and requests for support from companies like these, and I will continue to advocate on behalf of neurodivergent individuals. Please feel welcome to suggest companies you support or love, so I can reach out to them and expand our network of corporate partners. Your involvement in helping us connect with businesses that make a difference is crucial to our mission.

The Mindscape Center in Las Vegas

At Mindscape Neurodiversity Institute, our physical center in Las Vegas will further our mission by providing a safe, empowering environment where neurodivergent individuals can access mental health services, educational programs, and vocational training tailored to their unique needs. Our center will offer support that’s focused on early intervention, reducing risk factors that lead to both suicide and incarceration.

By partnering with community leaders and businesses, and offering resources to neurodivergent individuals and their families, we create a hub for inclusion, education, and empowerment. The center will provide not just tools for survival but for thriving—ensuring neurodivergent individuals can build a future with hope, purpose, and self-worth.

Call to Action

Reducing suicide and incarceration rates in the neurodivergent community requires:

• Public awareness and reducing stigma around neurodiversity.
• Early, accurate diagnosis of autism and ADHD to provide timely support.
• Accessible mental health services and tailored educational interventions.
• Corporate engagement to validate neurodivergent individuals as valued participants in society.

Together, with the support of businesses, community members, and advocates, Mindscape Neurodiversity Institute is paving the way for a future where neurodivergent individuals are recognized, supported, and empowered to lead fulfilling lives.