Right response, right time, right pathway? Autism and the challenge of crisis resolution teams in Ireland

Crisis Resolution Teams (CRTs) are being piloted in Ireland as community-based, intensive, short-term services providing rapid intervention for individuals experiencing acute mental health crises. This perspective highlights a group over-represented in emergency care pathways: autistic adults without intellectual disability. For many autistic adults, crises can emerge from burnout, transition pressures and sensory or communication overload, often presenting with heightened distress or suicidality. In systems with limited onward pathways, brief-episode crisis care can become part of a cycle of repeated contacts, with limited scope to address enduring neurodevelopmental needs. We outline pragmatic adaptations: autism-informed workforce education; proactive crisis and safety planning; clear crisis service boundaries with connected pathways for ongoing support; and cross-sector coordination across health and social services. Embedding lived-experience and data capture in learning-sites can drive improvement. Aligned with the Crisis Resolution Service Model of Care and autism policy, these steps can improve safety, equity and continuity of care.