A Systematic Review of the Risk and Protective Factors for Suicide in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Abstract

The shorter lifespan and increased prevalence of physical and psychiatric comorbidities in autistic people is a challenge for mental health. There is a high risk of suicide-related behaviors in autism, which are related to mental health issues, social isolation, and other factors. Here we aimed to systematically review the evidence on risk and protective factors of suicidal behaviors in autistic people. Electronic datasets (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycInfo) were searched for empirical articles on the risk and protective factors for suicide in autism. The PRISMA guidelines were followed, and a series of inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to the retrieved data. This review included 19 studies reporting multiple risk factors associated with suicide-related behaviors. Noteworthy contributors among these factors include psychiatric comorbidities, bullying, cyberbullying, teacher harassment, and cognitive functions. The evidence for protective factors is limited; however, social relationships are highlighted. Identifying risk and protective factors is paramount for detecting early warning signs and enabling the prevention and intervention of suicidal behavior. Our review identified key sociodemographic, clinical, and cognitive risk factors to take into account as alarm-signs when identifying suicidal behaviors in autism.