Depressive symptomatology in adults with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability: correlates and predictors

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) usually appears associated with other comorbid psychopathology. For this reason, the present research aimed to study the comorbid conditions in ASD paying more attention to depressive symptoms. The investigation included a sample of 37 adults with ASD and intellectual disability (M = 27.49; SD = 9.2), users of various associations of the Community of Madrid. Autistic severity was assessed with the Diagnostic Behavioral Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder-Revised (Dibas-R) and comorbidity was assessed through Autism Spectrum Disorders-Comorbidity for Adults (ASD-CA). The results showed a significant correlation between autism symptomatology and general comorbidity. Moreover, autistic symptoms were associated with depressive symptomatology. A hierarchical regression analysis was also conducted; and its data suggested that irritability/behavioral excesses were significant predictors of depression in ASD.

Keywords:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• intellectual disability
• depression
• comorbidity
• adult life

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.