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Cited by 146Suicide and Self-Harm StudiesAutism Spectrum Disorder ResearchHomicide, Infanticide, and Child Abuse

Suicidality in autistic youth: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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O'Halloran, L., Coey, P., Wilson, C.·2022·Clinical Psychology Review
DOI 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102144
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Abstract

Suicidality in autistic youth is a major public health issue. This study aimed to determine global prevalence of, and risk/protective factors for suicidality in autistic youth via systematic review and meta-analysis. We systematically searched Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library for studies from inception to November 22nd, 2021. We selected empirical studies reporting on suicide outcomes (i.e., ideation, behaviors, attempts and deaths) in autistic youth (≤25 years). Random effects models were used to estimate the pooled prevalence of suicide outcomes with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was investigated with potential moderators using meta-regression analyses. The final selection included 47 papers, 29 of which were included in meta-analyses and 37 were narratively synthesized (sociodemographic, psychiatric, psychological, other factors, and interventions). The pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation was 25.2% (95% CI 18.2-33.8; i.e., one in four), suicide attempts 8.3% (3.6-18.2), and suicide deaths 0.2% (0.05-0.52). Estimates in self-reports were higher than in parent-reports. Age was a significant but inconsistent moderator on suicide outcomes, but substantial heterogeneity remained. Adverse childhood experiences were strong risk factors for suicidality, while resilience was protective. Participatory suicide risk-assessment, early intervention, and resilience promotion should be primary clinical/research goals.

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  • O'Halloran et al. (2022) found an 8.3% prevalence (95% CI 3.6-18.2%) of suicidal behavior in autistic youth.

    “O’Halloran et al. (2022) found an 8.3% prevalence (95% CI: 3.6–18.2%) of suicidal behavior in autistic youth.”

    From Risk and Protective Factors of Self-harm and Suicidality in Adolescents: An Umbrella Review with Meta-Analysis (2024) · cites this paper as O’Halloran et al. (2022)

    Section 3.2 (Meta-analysis; page unavailable) reports 8.3% (95% CI 3.6–18.2%) for suicide attempts specifically in autistic youth. The cited figure is correct, but the claim calls it the prevalence of suicidal behavior more broadly; the paper reports other suicide outcomes separately. (LLM, conf=0.88)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • O'halloran et al. (2022) found a pooled 25.2% (95% CI 18.2-33.8) prevalence of suicidal ideation in autistic youth.

    “O’halloran et al. (2022)‘s review of 22 studies found a pooled 25.2% (95% CI 18.2–33.8) prevalence of suicidal ideation in autistic youth.”

    From Risk and Protective Factors of Self-harm and Suicidality in Adolescents: An Umbrella Review with Meta-Analysis (2024) · cites this paper as O’halloran et al. (2022)

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1 retracted

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Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. ss6513a1 · DOI · Paper page
  2. Joiner, T. (2005). Why people die by suicide. Harvard University Press.

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Authors
O'Halloran, L., Coey, P., & Wilson, C.
Affiliations
  • Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin (IE)
  • Trinity College Dublin (IE)
ORCID
Venue
Clinical Psychology Review
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2022-04
Volume
93
Pages
102144
ISSN
0272-7358 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102144
OpenAlex
W4221063598
Cited by
146
References
140
Citations by year
2026: 39 · 2025: 42 · 2024: 38 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 8
FWCI
4.47
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Clinical Psychology Review (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Suicide and Self-Harm Studies
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Homicide, Infanticide, and Child Abuse
Keywords
suicidality, autism spectrum disorder, autistic youth, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, suicide mortality, prevalence, risk factors, protective factors, adverse childhood experiences, resilience, suicide risk assessment, early intervention, self-report versus parent report
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Autistic Disorder, Humans, Suicide, Suicide, Attempted, Prevalence, Suicidal Ideation

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