Mum of tragic Libbi: Progress must be quicker

Campaign for action after autistic girl took own life aged just 17

A Tayside mental health campaigner mother who lost her daughter to suicide said progress in the field is too slow.

Judi Toledo’s daughter, Libbi, died aged 17 in September 2017, after a battle with severe mental health issues including autism and ADHD.

She was found dead in Kirkcaldy, 10 days after going missing from care.

Mrs Toledo, 48, from Brechin, is fighting for earlier diagnosis and better support for such adolescents.

The Scottish Government aims to reduce suicide levels by 20% over the next three years and Scotland’s first secure psychiatric unit for under-19s is to open next year.

Mrs Toledo said: “I’m happy progress is being made, but they need to do more, and quicker.”

After Libbi died, her mother called for the introduction of a specialist secure inpatient service for youngsters in Scotland with autism.

She said: “Secure accommodation... is good at keeping kids safe but doesn’t address the underlying issues.

“Figures indicate children with autism are 28 times more likely to commit suicide than young people without it.”

Mrs Toledo has been working with MSP Mairi Gougeon to secure a meeting with the minister for mental health, Clare Haughey, to discuss Libbi’s case.

Ms Gougeon said Judi’s experience is “absolutely heartbreaking”.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We recently launched our new suicide prevention action plan, which specifically highlights children and young people, to bring improvements in prevention and reductions in rates.”