Autism, vulnerability, and mental health

What we want to find out

This project aims to understand the different ways in which autistic people of any age may be more exposed to harm, difficulty, or unfair treatment – and what factors contribute to that. For the first time, we explore how vulnerable experiences are related to specific outcomes such as lifetime self-harm, suicide attempts, suicide plans, having a mental health condition that impacts daily life, and regularly using substances such as alcohol as a coping mechanism in autistic people. 

Why we are doing this research

Autistic people often communicate, process information, and experience the world differently. These differences can sometimes create situations where they are treated unfairly, misunderstood, or taken advantage of by others. 

For example, communication differences may lead to misunderstandings, and sensory or environmental stress can make certain situations overwhelming. Autistic people may also focus deeply on topics that interest them or find unexpected changes challenging, which can create difficulties in environments that are not set up with their needs in mind. 

This project is exploratory. Our aim is to identify the types of situations that may create vulnerability for autistic people – both children and adults – and to understand what contributes to these situations so that better support, systems, and environments can be developed. We also aim explore how vulnerable experiences are associated with poor mental health and risk of suicide in autistic adults and children. 

Method

We have developed the Vulnerability Experiences Quotient (VEQ) through stakeholder consultations as both a self-report measure for adults over 18 years old, or as a parent-report measure for children between the ages of 4 and 17.   

Community engagement

The VEQ was co-created by researchers, clinicians who have worked with autistic adults in the NHS, and an advisory board with eight autistic adults. The advisory board helped in deciding the negative experiences that were relevant for autistic people, as well as the most appropriate language for the survey. Feedback was also provided by clinicians.    

Potential impact

This research could help show what needs to change in society to make the world safer and more supportive for autistic people. The findings may guide policymakers, educators, health and social care professionals, parents, and the wider community in removing barriers to inclusion, reducing risks to mental health, and improving the overall wellbeing of autistic people. 

Results

The adult study is now complete. Hundreds of autistic adults participated, and the findings were presented at the 2018 International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) conference and published in the journal Autism Research. 

Results showed that autistic adults experienced higher levels of vulnerability across all 10 areas of everyday life – including education, employment, close relationships, health, and the criminal justice system – and reported higher rates of mental health difficulties. In addition, VEQ scores were found to mediate poor mental health outcomes. 

A second study from the adult VEQ data has shown that irrespective of lifetime trauma, autistic adults are still more likely to report suicide-related behaviours and psychological distress. The findings were presented at the 2024 International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) conference and published in the journal Autism Research. 

The child study is still in progress, and we expect to share the results in May 2026. 

Funders

Staff

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