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An Exploratory Analysis of Predictors of Youth Suicide-Related Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Implications for Prevention Science
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
  • Christina G. McDonnell, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
  • Elizabeth A. DeLucia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
  • Elizabeth P. Hayden, The University of Western Ontario
  • Evdokia Anagnostou, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
  • Rob Nicolson, The University of Western Ontario
  • Elizabeth Kelley, Queen's University, Kingston
  • Stelios Georgiades, McMaster University
  • Xudong Liu, Queen's University, Kingston
  • Ryan A. Stevenson, The University of Western Ontario
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2020
URL with Digital Object Identifier
10.1007/s10803-019-04320-6
Disciplines
Abstract

© 2019, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature. Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with significant mental health concerns, little is known about suicidality, particularly among youth. To address this critical gap in the literature, the current study examined the predictive validity of (1) demographics, (2) core autism symptoms, (3) cognitive abilities and adaptive behavior, (4) comorbid psychopathology, and (5) medical problems, for suicide-related behaviors among autistic youth (N = 481; Mage = 11.56 years). As indices of suicide-related behaviors, parents reported on whether the child had ever (1) talked about killing themselves, and (2) engaged in deliberate self-harm or attempted suicide. These two suicide-related outcomes had distinct clinical correlates, including child age, parental education, restricted and repetitive behaviors, IQ and adaptive behavior, affective and conduct problems, and medical concerns.

Citation Information
Christina G. McDonnell, Elizabeth A. DeLucia, Elizabeth P. Hayden, Evdokia Anagnostou, et al.. "An Exploratory Analysis of Predictors of Youth Suicide-Related Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Implications for Prevention Science" Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders Vol. 50 Iss. 10 (2020) p. 3531 - 3544
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/elizabeth-hayden/7/