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Cited by 515Autism Spectrum Disorder ResearchChild Nutrition and Feeding IssuesChild and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development

Presentation of depression in autism and Asperger syndrome: A review

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Stewart, Mary E., Barnard, Louise, Pearson, Joanne, Hasan, Reem, O’Brien, Gregory·2006·Autism
DOI 10.1177/1362361306062013
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Abstract

Depression is common in autism and Asperger syndrome, but despite this, there has been little research into this issue. This review considers the current literature on the prevalence, presentation, treatment and assessment of depression in autism and Asperger syndrome. There are diagnostic difficulties when considering depression in autism and Asperger syndrome, as the characteristics of these disorders, such as social withdrawal and appetite and sleep disturbance, are also core symptoms of depression. Impaired verbal and non-verbal communication can mask the symptoms of depression. Symptoms associated with autism and Asperger syndrome such as obsessionality and self-injury may be increased during an episode of depression. There is a clear need to develop specific tools both for diagnostic purposes and for measurement of depression in autism and Asperger syndrome in order to help alleviate the distress caused by this treatable illness.

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Crossref · 10.1177/1362361306062013

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50 of 50 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Autism is associated with poor mental health; many autistic persons experience clinical levels of anxiety and depression, and suicide rates are strikingly high.

    “Relatedly, autism is associated with poor mental health.For instance, many autistic persons experience clinical levels of anxiety and depression (Stewart et al., 2006), and suicide rates are strikingly high (Hirvikoski et al., 2016).”

    From Neurodiversity, epistemic injustice, and the good human life (2022) · cites this paper as Stewart et al., 2006

  • The prevalence of comorbid mental health conditions in autism is strikingly high.

    “The prevalence of comorbid mental health conditions in autism is strikingly high.”

    From Experiences of autism acceptance and mental health in autistic adults (2018) · cites this paper as Stewart et al. 2006

  • The prevalence of depression in autistic individuals is around 34%.

    “Other studies suggest that the prevalence of depression in autistic individuals is around 34% (Stewart et al. 2006).”

    From Experiences of autism acceptance and mental health in autistic adults (2018) · cites this paper as Stewart et al. 2006

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Authors
Stewart, M. E., Barnard, L., Pearson, J., Hasan, R., & O’Brien, G.
Affiliations
  • Heriot-Watt University (GB)
  • Newcastle University (GB)
  • Northumbria University (GB)
Corresponding author
Stewart, Mary E.
ORCID
Venue
Autism
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
2006-01
Volume
10
Issue
1
Pages
103-116
ISSN
  • 1362-3613 (ISSN-L)
  • 1461-7005
DOI
10.1177/1362361306062013
OpenAlex
W2096548756
Cited by
515
References
50
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 23 · 2024: 33 · 2023: 20 · 2022: 20 · 2021: 25 · 2020: 65 · 2019: 28 · 2018: 34 · 2017: 23 · 2016: 32 · 2015: 29 · 2014: 31 · 2013: 29 · 2012: 22
FWCI
6.85
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations
  • Autism (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Newcastle University ePrints (Newcastle Univesity)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
Keywords
depression, Asperger syndrome, comorbidities, presenting symptoms, diagnostic challenges, communication disorders, self-harm, obsessionality, sleep disorders, appetite disturbance, social withdrawal, depression assessment, depression treatment, prevalence
MeSH terms
Autistic Disorder, Child, Depressive Disorder, Humans, Prevalence, Asperger Syndrome

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