The research by UNSW 3DN, the Autism CRC, and the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, explores why people on the autism spectrum are at significant increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts compared to the general population. In a national sample, almost half of the participants aged 14-80 years with autism were in the clinical range for depression, and 36% reported recent suicidal ideation. Loneliness emerged as a risk factor for depression and suicidal ideation, and conversely, social support networks, including friendships and family relationships, as a protective factor. The results suggest interventions that target these factors may prove beneficial for people on the autism spectrum. The national sample, comprising 50% females, were participating in the Autism CRC Australian Longitudinal Study of Adults with Autism (ALSAA), based at UNSW, and the longitudinal Study of Australian School Leavers with Autism (SASLA) based out of La Trobe University. The study is published in Depression and Anxiety, the flagship journal of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).
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