Depressive symptomatology in autism and intellectual disability: A network analysis

Depression is a very common psychopathology in the ASD population. Despite the common comorbidity this association is not well understood. To understand the relationship between depression symptoms and ASD a network analysis was carried out on a sample of people with ASD and ID. One hundred twenty-eight adults (M = 36.63 years¸ SD = 8,54) were evaluated to know the structure of depressive symptoms in autism and their relationship with ASD symptomatology. The results showed a single network where both symptomatologies were mixed. Bridging symptoms such as issues relating to change and restricted interests were identified. Moreover, sleep disturbances and the need to be calm are key items to understand the symptomatology of depression in people with ASD and ID. Knowing and identifying ASD symptoms that are strongly linked to the depression network has important implications for the prevention of depression in this case in people with autism and intellectual disabilities. • Depressive and anxious are presented together. • Restrictive behaviours and invariance are bridging symptoms with desire not to go on living. • Sleep problems and need to be calm are key items.