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Processes Associated with the Development of Depression in Autistic Individuals: A Narrative Review
Yaerin H Wallenberger1, Mirko Uljarevic2, Lacey Chetcuti3
1Department of Psychology, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 11, 2025
Summary
Autistic individuals face higher depression rates. This review proposes an integrative model to understand cognitive, developmental, and clinical factors contributing to depression in autism.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Psychiatry
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Autistic individuals experience higher rates of mental health challenges, particularly depression.
- Depression in autism is a significant concern due to links with negative outcomes, including suicidality.
- Understanding depression in autism requires considering unique presentations and co-occurring conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize existing knowledge on depression in autistic individuals.
- To propose a novel integrative model for understanding contributing factors.
- To stimulate innovation in under-explored research areas.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature.
- Identification and summary of cognitive, developmental, and clinical factors.
- Conceptual integration of identified factors into a novel model.
Main Results:
- Elevated depression rates in autistic individuals are linked to core autism features.
- Cognitive and emotional experiences common in autism, beyond diagnostic criteria, contribute to depression.
- A proposed model integrates interrelated factors affecting depression development and maintenance.
Conclusions:
- The proposed integrative model offers a framework for understanding depression in autism.
- Further research is needed to test and refine the model.
- Findings have implications for autism research, clinical practice, and policy reform.
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