Pathways to Psychopathology Among Autistic Adults - PubMed

Purpose of review: Autistic adults frequently require treatment of mental health problems. Increased rates of suicidality and diminished quality of life among autistic people may be partially attributable to psychiatric symptoms. Some risk factors for mental health problems in autistic people are likely the same as risk factors present in neurotypical individuals, but unique factors that are specific to neurodivergent individuals, and some even more specific to autistic people, may exist. Understanding pathways from autism to mental health problems could inform intervention efforts at the individual and societal levels.

Recent findings: We review a growing body of research identifying risk processes across the affective, cognitive, and social domains. Consistent with the principle of equifinality, different processes appear to independently and jointly lead to heightened risk for the onset of mental health problems. Autistic adults frequently utilize mental healthcare services, and experience heightened risk for chronic impairment as a result of mental health problems. Understanding causal and developmental risk processes in autism should inform personalized treatment. We synthesize extant research on these processes and offer suggestions for addressing them therapeutically and societally.

Declarations

Conflict of Interest Dr. White reports grants from the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, and the Organization for Autism Research, during the conduct of this study. She is also a paid consultant to Mazzy Health LLC, inc., outside the submitted work. Dr. Siegle reports grants from the National Institutes of Health and receives royalty payments on a patent regarding vibroacoustic intervention technology, licensed to Apollo Neurosciences, which is being evaluated for applications to autism. Dr. Kana reports grants from National Institutes of Health. Dr. Rothman reports grants from National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, and the Organization for Autism Research.

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