Brief Report: Social Support, Depression and Suicidal Ideation in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Overview

Journal J Autism Dev Disord

Publisher Springer

Date 2017 Sep 2

PMID 28861661

Citations 44

Authors

Darren Hedley

Mirko Uljarevic

Mathilda Wilmot

Amanda Richdale

Cheryl Dissanayake

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at increased risk of suicide compared to the general population. Research has yet to identify the mechanisms underlying this increased risk. This study examined perceived social support as a potential protective factor for depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in 76 adults with ASD. Twenty-five percent of participants were in the clinical range for depression, and 20% reported recent suicidal ideation. Social support in the form of appraisal and belonging was not associated with depression or ideation; however the perceived availability of tangible (material) support indirectly acted on ideation through depression. The findings suggest that tangible support, but not appraisal or belonging, may act as an indirect protective factor against suicidality in ASD.

Citing Articles

Understanding depression in autism: the role of subjective perception and anterior cingulate cortex volume.

Hao Y, Banker S, Trayvick J, Barkley S, Peters A, Thinakaran A Mol Autism. 2025; 16(1):9.

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No Way Out? Cognitive Rigidity and Depressive Symptoms Associated with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Autistic Youth.

Reid M, Clawson A, Ratto A, Rich B Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 2024; .

PMID: 39621195 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-024-01791-2.

Understanding Depression in Autism: The Role of Subjective Perception and Anterior Cingulate Cortex Volume.

Hao Y, Banker S, Trayvick J, Barkley S, Peters A, Thinakaran A Res Sq. 2024; .

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An Examination of Perceived Stress and Emotion Regulation Challenges as Mediators of Associations Between Camouflaging and Internalizing Symptomatology.

McQuaid G, Sadowski L, Lee N, Wallace G Autism Adulthood. 2024; 6(3):345-361.

PMID: 39371362 PMC: 11447396. DOI: 10.1089/aut.2022.0121.

Why Are Autistic People More Likely to Experience Suicidal Thoughts? Applying the Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model with Autistic Adults.

Graham J, Rodgers J, Cassidy S Autism Adulthood. 2024; 6(3):272-283.

PMID: 39371353 PMC: 11447394. DOI: 10.1089/aut.2023.0039.

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