Digital Social Hour, Episode #1759
Neal Tricarico: Autistic Teens Are 30% More Likely to Die by Suicide
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Neal Tricarico (Endurant Movement)
Date: January 16, 2026
Episode Overview
In this deeply personal and unfiltered episode, Sean Kelly welcomes Neal Tricarico, founder of the Endurant Movement—a nonprofit born from Neal’s experience losing his son, Anthony, to suicide. The conversation unpacks the often-overlooked mental health struggles faced by autistic teens, systemic failures, and the urgent need for community-driven, stigma-breaking approaches. Neal shares his story of tragedy turned into purpose, exploring his family’s journey through grief, systemic gaps, and the emergence of the Endurant Movement, all while highlighting the necessity for authentic support, awareness, and post-traumatic growth.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Origin of the Endurant Movement (01:20–05:42)
- Neal introduces the Endurant Movement, rooted in the loss of his son, Anthony, who was diagnosed with high-functioning autism and died by suicide.
- The Movement aims to fill the critical gaps in support for autistic teens and their families, shifting emphasis from mere awareness to action and authentic connection.
Quote:
"When we learned kids between 12 and 18 on the autism spectrum are 30% more likely to take their own lives... that, coupled with Anthony's friends saying, 'If this could happen to him, it could happen to any of us,' we realized a call to something much greater." — Neal (03:41)
2. The Systemic Gaps in Autism and Mental Health Care (00:00–01:20; 08:40–10:21)
- Autism service providers often lack training to address mental health risks, directing families to mental health professionals who are unequipped for autistic clients.
- Neal details how mental health systems lacked tailored protocols for autism, sometimes worsening Anthony’s isolation and feelings of helplessness.
Quote:
"Autism service providers are aware just how at risk these kids are, but they don't have any training to help them on the mental health side... On the mental health side, they were like, 'Oh, we don't have any special protocols.' And many things that happened in that space actually contributed to his isolation." — Neal (00:00; 08:40)
3. The Prevalence and Changing Awareness of Autism (06:23–07:44)
- Discussion on the dramatic increase in autism diagnoses in recent years and shifting societal attitudes.
- Early diagnosis can be a double-edged sword—access to support, but also labeling and stigma.
Quote:
"I was fascinated at the time about the percentage of kids in his immediate group that also were on the spectrum... But no one ever shared with us this possibility of suicide in this group." — Neal (07:08; 07:44)
4. The COVID Effect & Compounding Risk Factors (12:42–13:46)
- Isolation during COVID-19 exacerbated Anthony’s depression, removing his primary social and coping activities like fishing.
- For autistic male teens, especially post-pandemic, risk of suicide can surpass 60%.
Quote:
"For him and others on the spectrum... that's when Anthony was diagnosed officially with depression... So between COVID, the teenage boy, and this particular diagnosis, that percentage is shocking." — Neal (12:42; 13:46)
5. The Masking Phenomenon: Thriving on the Outside, Hurting Within (21:18–23:10)
- Anthony achieved high grades, martial arts success, and entrepreneurship, while masking his true challenges.
- The effort to ‘pass as normal’ is often invisible and comes at great personal cost.
Quote:
"Friends, parents, teachers—everyone's like 'Oh my gosh, this kid is thriving.' But it was so hard for us because we knew it was at such a tremendous cost. That camouflaging, that masking to fit in sadly ultimately broke him." — Neal (21:53; 23:10)
6. Identity, Authenticity, and Belonging (24:16–28:18)
- Discussion about whether emotional skills are learnable and if fitting in is always the right goal.
- Both Sean and Neal reflect on their own masking, identity struggles, and the power of authenticity.
Quote:
"Is it ultimately better to appear to be emotionally connected, or might it be better to appear as you are in your most authentic, real way? That emotion isn't a part of your makeup, and other things are." — Neal (24:16)
- Neal stresses helping teens "find their tribe, their superpowers, and their superheroes," reframing autism as difference, not disorder.
Quote:
"If we say 'autism spectrum disorder,' we're labeling these kids... The work they're doing, the therapy, is to become normal. It's so profound... what's working is taking that D out, calling it a difference." — Neal (16:02)
7. Breaking Stigma & Rewriting the Narrative (18:39–19:59)
- Both discuss the need to stop shaming and start celebrating neurodiversity, emphasizing how many successful figures are on the spectrum.
Quote:
"We should stop shaming autism and start embracing those superpowers... They don't want to see their autistic friends die, but they also don't want to see their friends body-shamed or shamed for their orientation or differences." — Neal (18:47; 19:59)
8. Harnessing Community & Spirituality in Grief (30:21–36:05)
- Neal recounts the profound support received from community events (prayer circles of all beliefs) after Anthony’s passing.
- He credits spiritual guidance (from medium Jessenia and Tony Robbins' mentorship) with helping transmute grief into mission.
Quote:
"All these beliefs, what was received by Anthony, Samara, my family, and me was pure love and light... across all beliefs, it was love, deep connection, and community that was critical." — Neal (32:32)
- Tony Robbins’ message:
"If your eyes and hearts are open, you're being called to something greater. There's a greater lesson here." — Recounted by Neal (33:44)
9. From Trauma to Growth: Post-Traumatic Growth (43:53–50:35)
- Neal introduces the concept of post-traumatic growth: choosing to seek meaning and purpose in trauma rather than remaining in suffering.
- He reflects on his deepened capacity for both pain and joy since Anthony’s loss, and describes efforts to help others do the same.
Quote:
"If the purpose is greater than the pain, you will take action. So post-traumatic growth is making a decision that there's some reason that this trauma had for me... If you don't find the purpose, you're going to stay in suffering. When you do, the opportunity for growth is extraordinary." — Neal (44:08; 47:51)
10. The Vision: Teen Voices, Media, and Connection (41:08–42:36)
- The Endurant Movement is launching "Teen Voices," a podcast platform for teens to support, interview one another, and amplify voices on issues like body shaming, bullying, and identity.
- Neal highlights the healing and therapeutic aspects of podcasting and sharing stories, vowing to create more such opportunities.
Quote:
"We got a donation from Tony Robbins... to build this studio where teens can start shooting their episodes. It's in our garage... But if there's an opportunity for them to hear from you and see how you're doing it, it would mean so much to these kids." — Neal (41:08)
11. How to Support the Endurant Movement (51:33–53:21)
- Donations and, even more importantly, spreading awareness and subscribing to "The Endurance Show" are the best ways to help.
- Teen-led content drops soon, and the movement is being featured by Apple and Spotify for Suicide Awareness Month.
Quote:
"What's most helpful is awareness... To subscribe to our show, if the content resonates, to leave a review... Awareness is the cure. The more that we can get these stories out and impact and save lives, the rest will take care of itself." — Neal (51:39; 52:45)
- Website: [endurantmovement.org](https://endurantmovement.org)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On systemic failure:
“Autism service providers are aware just how at risk these kids are, but they don't have any training to help them on the mental health side... Many things that happened for him actually contributed to his isolation.” — Neal (00:00; 08:40) -
On the risk statistic:
“Kids, especially between 12 and 18 who are on the autism spectrum, are 30% more likely to take their own lives. This group is the highest percentage of completion.” — Neal (03:41; 11:11) -
On reframing autism:
“We should stop shaming autism and start embracing those superpowers.” — Neal (18:47) -
On finding meaning in loss:
“If the purpose is greater than the pain, you will take action.” — Neal (44:08) -
Sean’s vulnerable share:
"I used to host parties myself... trying to fit in, trying to please people. Kids would mess up my house with no regard. And it just made me feel even worse, honestly." — Sean (28:22) -
On post-traumatic growth:
“Post traumatic growth is a real thing. I’m living it and it’s part of our mission... If we stay on this side of suffering, you know, it’s a tragedy.” — Neal (47:51)
Important Segment Timestamps
- 01:20 — Neal introduces Endurant Movement's origin
- 08:40 — The failings of service providers for autistic teens
- 12:42 — COVID’s specific impact on Anthony’s mental health
- 18:39 — Discussion on shaming vs. embracing autism
- 21:18 — Anthony's masking and the hidden cost of appearing 'normal'
- 24:16 — Is emotional connection learnable or is authenticity more important?
- 30:21 — Neal recounts the community’s response after Anthony’s attempt and passing
- 43:53 — Post-traumatic growth vs. post-traumatic stress
- 51:33 — How listeners can support Endurant Movement and The Endurance Show
Episode Tone & Closing Thoughts
Personal, raw, and hopeful—this conversation blends heartbreaking loss with an inspiring commitment to cultural change. Neal’s vulnerable storytelling and Sean’s own openness underscore the need for deeper understanding, connection, and action within and beyond the autism community.
Call to Action:
Subscribe to The Endurance Show, spread the word, and support endurantmovement.org to shift awareness, save lives, and empower young people to share their voices.