Das Suizidrisiko bei älteren Erwachsenen mit autistischen Merkmalen ist stärker mit Depressionen und Isolation verbunden als mit Autismus selbst. Die Ergebnisse belegen, dass eine gezielte Unterstützung der psychischen Gesundheit und die Förderung sozialer Kontakte zum Schutz dieser gefährdeten Bevölkerungsgruppe beitragen könnten.

>New research published in [Nature](https://www.nature.com/articles/s44220-025-00579-0) Mental Health suggests that higher rates of suicidal thoughts and self-harm among older adults with autistic traits are not directly caused by the traits themselves. Instead, this increased risk appears to be driven by accompanying challenges, such as depression, trauma, and social isolation. These findings provide evidence that targeted mental health support and fostering social connections could help protect this vulnerable population.

>Much of autism research has focused heavily on children and young adults. This focus leaves a scarcity of information about how the condition affects people in midlife and older age.

>Older autistic adults have been found to have worse outcomes in terms of reduced life expectancy. They also face a disproportionate risk of mental health difficulties, such as anxiety and depression, compared to non-autistic adults. Epidemiological data suggests that up to ninety percent of autistic adults over the age of fifty in the United Kingdom remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

>At the same time, earlier studies have shown that diagnosed autistic people face a much higher risk of dying by suicide compared to the general population. Understanding the factors that influence suicide risk in older populations is a high priority in public health. Older adults generally face a higher risk of suicide overall, and the unique social and mental health challenges experienced by people with autistic traits may compound this risk.