Why is this important?

 Autism and depression share overlapping characteristics, which can complicate the diagnosis of depression in autistic adults using current criteria. Standard diagnostic tools may not represent the ways in which depression may present in autistic adults, increasing the risk of it going unrecognised and untreated. By exploring how depression symptoms in autistic adults may align or differ from current diagnostic frameworks, we can develop better assessment guidelines to ensure more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for depression.

What's our approach?

We are investigating the symptoms of depression as experienced and expressed by autistic adults. The approach involves direct engagement with autistic adults and those who support them to gather firsthand insights into their experiences with depression. Additionally, we aim to understand the observable signs and patterns that practitioners recognise in their clinical practice, along with the methods they use to diagnose and assess depression in autistic adults.

The impact of our work:

This research represents an important step towards developing more effective diagnostic tools specifically tailored for identifying depression in autistic adults. By gaining a deeper understanding of how depression presents uniquely in this population, we aim to improve recognition and diagnosis, ultimately leading to better mental health support and outcomes for autistic adults. This work not only contributes to the academic understanding but also has practical implications for improving the lives of those affected by depression.

How are we conducting this research?

This research follows a multi-perspective approach through three interconnected studies:

Study One Link to Study One Involved conducting a systematic literature review to consolidate existing research on depression presentations in depressed autistic individuals across the lifespan. This study is now complete, and the review has been published. https://rdcu.be/dU8hW

Study Two Link to Study Two Gathers perspectives from autistic adults and their supporters to gain insights into their lived experiences of depression. Data collection for this study is complete, and we are preparing the findings for publication.

Study Three Link to Study Three Investigates how practitioners diagnose depression in autistic adults, focusing on the observable signs and presentations they notice, as well as the diagnostic methods and practices they employ. Data collection for this study is ongoing.

Why does this matter?

The findings from our studies aim to improve how depression is understood and assessed in autistic adults. By identifying how depression may present uniquely within the autistic community, we hope to contribute to the development of assessment guidelines that are more reflective of autistic individuals’ experiences. This advancement has the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy, benefiting practitioners in their clinical work, as well as autistic individuals and the wider autism community by promoting a more accurate understanding of depression in autistic adults.