Depressive symptoms in autistic young adults: the complex relationship with perceived social support and practical and social adaptive functioning

Comorbidities with other mental conditions are widely recognised as a common struggle among individuals diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In particular, internalising symptoms, and especially depression, are considerably more prevalent among autistic people compared to the general population. However, existing literature has predominantly focused on children and adolescents, while overlooking other age groups. Until a few decades ago, ASD was indeed conceptualised primarily as a childhood condition, despite being a lifelong condition. In the context of this discussion, it is important to note that early adulthood may represent a particularly vulnerable period for autistic individuals: the transition from adolescence to adult life is often accompanied by changes in educational and support systems, potentially impacting resource access. This means difficulties related to depressive symptoms may be heightened and should be further explored. Although literature focusing on the specific young adult population is limited and results are mixed, factors that have been explored in association with depressive symptoms in ASD include adaptive functioning, both in practical and social domains, and perceived social support. The current study aims to address the literature gap regarding depressive symptoms in autistic young adults by analysing associations between different measures of depression, administered both to participants and to their parents, and adaptive functioning and perceived social support in a sample of autistic young adults (N= 20; M age= 27.35; SD= 6.33), including individuals with or without mild intellectual disability. Results will be analysed and discussed in relation to the specific clinical needs of the population of interest.