Risk markers for suicidality in autistic adults

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental conditions
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• High rates of suicidality are reported in autism spectrum conditions (ASC).
• Existing research lacks understanding of unique ASC suicidality risk factors.
• Common risk markers for general population suicide overlap with autistic adult experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify unique risk markers for suicidality in autistic adults.
• To differentiate between ASC-specific and general population suicide risk factors.
• To inform tailored suicide prevention strategies for the autistic community.

Main Methods:

• A survey was developed with input from autistic adults.
• The survey assessed suicidality, self-injury, mental health, support needs, employment, and autistic traits.
• 164 autistic adults and 169 general population adults completed the online survey.

Main Results:

• 72% of autistic adults exceeded clinical suicide risk thresholds, compared to 33% in the general population.
• ASC diagnosis and self-reported autistic traits independently predicted suicidality.
• In autistic adults, non-suicidal self-injury, camouflaging, and unmet support needs predicted suicidality.

Conclusions:

• Autism diagnosis and autistic traits are significant, independent risk markers for suicidality.
• Camouflaging and unmet support needs represent suicidality risk markers unique to ASC.
• Non-suicidal self-injury, employment issues, and mental health problems are shared risk factors more prevalent in autistic individuals.