Why this research matters

Autism and depression can overlap in features such as changes in sleep, appetite, energy, social engagement, and daily routines. This overlap can make depressive symptoms harder to recognise in autistic adults, particularly when assessment relies on brief screening tools or narrow expectations of how depression should present. By examining how depressive symptoms are described by autistic adults and supporters, and how they are identified by psychologists, this research aims to support more accurate and autism-informed recognition.

Potential impact of this research

This research aims to improve recognition of depressive symptoms in autistic adults by clarifying both DSM-aligned features and clinically relevant presentations that may be less readily recognised in autistic adults. The longer-term goal is to inform autism-informed assessment guidance and contribute to future work on depression assessment approaches that better reflect autistic adults’ presentations and reports of depressive symptoms.

Research approach

This research examines how depressive symptoms in autistic adults are described in research, reported by autistic adults and supporters, and identified by psychologists. It considers how these accounts align with current DSM-5-TR symptom constructs, where they may not align fully, and whether other clinically relevant indicators may also need to be considered.