Animation: Suicide prevention support for neurodiverse children and young people.

We’re sharing a new animation that highlights the importance of suicide prevention support for neurodiverse children and young people.

The MYA RAISE Team Mental Health Promotion Team, in collaboration with Cheshire and Merseyside ICB, Liverpool Place and ADDvanced Solutions Community Network, has launched a powerful new animation that tells the story of Liam, a 16-year-old boy with autism navigating grief, isolation, and the pressures of leaving school.

The film follows Liam as he struggles with the loss of his nan, anxiety about exams, and a growing sense of hopelessness. Once passionate about music and supporting school productions, he retreats into isolation, fixated on drawings of rockets symbolising his wish to escape. As his distress intensifies, the signs of self-harm and suicidal thoughts go unnoticed, and Liam resorts to suicide.

But the animation doesn’t end there. The story rewinds to show a very different path—one where Liam receives the right support. Through a trusted relationship with his learning mentor, Liam feels safe to express his emotions, use practical tools like safety planning, and build resilience for the future. With consistent understanding and encouragement, he regains confidence and begins to thrive.

The message is clear: with the right interventions, awareness, and support, autistic young people like Liam can have very different outcomes.

This animation is designed to raise awareness among professionals, families, and communities of the critical importance of recognising the signs of distress of people with autism and ensuring the right support is in place.

Visit the Serious Suicide Prevention website for more information.