SPARK is the U.S.'s largest autism study - more than 100k families. It was established to speed up autism research and improve our understanding of autism to improve the lives of those affected. SPARK celebrates its 5th anniversary. SPARK is dedicated to discovering the causes and treatment of ASD

As a young child with autism, Ben had trouble expressing his feelings, except when angry. He told his mother he didn't want to live during one outburst. Although she took him to mental health providers, they focused on treating him for anxiety rather than depression.

Ben is now twenty-one. The pandemic turned his world upside down, so he tried suicide. Ben was finally diagnosed with significant depression and received treatment at that point.

This isn't the only one. According to a 2019 analysis, people with autism are four times more likely than the general population to experience depression in their lifetime. According to a 2019 analysis of many studies, autistic people are four times more likely to experience depression than the general population.

According to Kaiser Permanente Northern California research, adults on the autism spectrum were five-fold more likely to commit suicide than the general population. According to Kaiser Permanente Northern California research, adults on the autism spectrum were five times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.

Autism is characterized by depression, one of the most severe disorders. It is often misunderstood, missed, or ignored by caregivers and doctors.

Depression or Autism?

People on the spectrum may have difficulty recognizing symptoms of depression. Some people with depression may have trouble remembering the signs.

Sometimes, signs of depression can be confused with autism. Although autism and depression are two very different conditions, there may be some similarities, says Katherine Gotham, Ph.D., Rowan University autism researcher, and depression researcher.

These traits combine a lack of interest in socializing and sleep problems.

Sometimes, depression symptoms may look different from what you would expect. Research shows that depression symptoms can look more than just tired and sad.

There are no scans or lab tests for depression. Most doctors rely on the patient's ability and willingness to express his feelings. People with autism who cannot communicate via words, facial expressions, and body language must bear this heavy responsibility.

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The Lens of Depression

A nuanced story can be told if we view Ben through the prism of depression. A psychologist didn't believe he was seriously depressed when he said he didn't want to live. What was the reason? Ben said he needed to meet other students to complete a project. They also noted that Ben does not fit the description of someone depressed.

What if his need to adhere to rules, a common trait in autism, or his perfectionism could be the reason for his concern about the project? Unfortunately, Ben's depressed feelings were not noticed by his healthcare providers, even though he received high grades.

Researchers are working to improve the ability of doctors to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (depression) in autistic patients.

When should you suspect depression in someone with autism?

Researchers and doctors agree that it's essential to check for changes in someone's sleeping and eating habits, interests, or level of agitation. This is especially important if the person cannot express their feelings. When evaluating an autistic person, doctors may use information from family members or other sources about these changes.

Gotham states, "I believe we initially hypothesized that depression might look different in people with autism." "We've found that depression can look different in people with autism. It looks very similar to the depression we have seen in many people with autism.

Depression Risks in Childhood and Adulthood

Which group is more likely to suffer from depression? Research shows that the following risks are associated with depression:

• A family history of bipolar disorder or depression, which could have existed before the parent had a child with a disability 5,10
• Trauma, including bullying 11
• Verbal communication skills and a minimum of average intelligence 1013-16
• Anxiety and other psychiatric conditions 10 are common in children and teens.
• I am older.

Gotham states that the risk of depression increases as one moves from childhood to adulthood, regardless of whether or not they have autism. She says that people with autism appear more at risk of depression than the general population at each stage of their lives - childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

The transition from childhood to adulthood is a difficult stage for autistic people. It can lead to depression.

Many students with autism receive a variety of services from their public schools. When they finish high school, typically between 18 and 21, students with autism lose access to services such as speech therapy and social skills instruction. They might not be eligible for assistance under the adult disability system. They may need to wait for benefits even if they qualify. Wisner-Carlson says sudden service interruptions can be like "falling off the cliff."

Risk can also be affected by other factors. Wisner-Carlson states that families of autistic people are more likely to have a history of depression or bipolar disorder. "The genetic studies on psychiatric illness, autism and other disorders show that many genetic markers overlap."

Other factors also play a role. Other factors also play a part.

Aspects of autism can cause depression. Rumination, the habit of thinking about what makes you unhappy, can be a risk factor in depression. For example, people with autism may have repetitive motions or obsessive thoughts that can lead to depression.

However, depression risk is not evenly distributed across the spectrum. People who can communicate and don't have an intellectual disability are more likely to develop depression.

Many wonder if depression is more common in people who speak because it is easier to diagnose and study them. Dena Gassner (autistic member of SPARK Community Advisory Council) asos, "How can you identify trauma and depression in someone who isn't speaking or has very low communication skill?" She warns that it is easy to believe these are the only people who need help mistakenly.

Advocates and doctors agree that it is essential to consider depression and not just autism.

Resources

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers confidential, free support 24 hours daily at 1-800-273-8255 or online chat. You can also find information and resources for professionals, including crisis and prevention resources.
• Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor at the Text Line.
• Help Save a Life provides resources for people in need.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness 1-800-950-6264
• Contact your doctor to locate a psychiatrist or any other mental health provider. This child or adolescent psychiatrist searcher or this adult psychiatrist searcher may also be helpful.
• ADAA Find-a-Therapist Directory

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