Outcomes of Experiencing Interpersonal Violence in Autism: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In 30 seconds

This mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis examined outcomes of interpersonal violence among autistic people and gender-related differences. The random-effects meta-analysis pooled data from 9 studies involving 3,647 autistic participants aged 1 to 80 years. Violence was associated with worse mental health, with the strongest reported associations for internalizing symptoms (d = 0.66, p < .001; 95% CI [0.51, 0.80]) and suicidal thoughts and behavior (d = 0.63, p < .001; [0.44, 0.82]). Narrative synthesis of 57 studies also linked violence to adverse health, developmental, and functional outcomes, with greater difficulties reported by females and gender minorities.

Key findings

• Violence was associated with internalizing symptoms (d = 0.66, p < .001; 95% CI [0.51, 0.80]).
• Violence was associated with suicidal thoughts and behavior (d = 0.63, p < .001; [0.44, 0.82]).
• Across 57 studies, violence was linked to adverse health, developmental, and functional outcomes, including greater mental health and behavioral difficulties than in non-autistic controls.
• Females and gender minorities reported greater violence-related health and developmental difficulties, emerging in early childhood and continuing into adulthood.

Why it matters

The review brings together evidence that interpersonal violence is associated with substantial and potentially enduring difficulties for autistic people, including mental health and behavioral outcomes. Its findings also highlight differences by gender, supporting attention to intersecting marginalization when assessing the consequences of violence and interpreting the needs of autistic people across the lifespan.

What to keep in mind

The evidence combines studies with varied methods and outcomes; the meta-analysis pooled data from 9 studies, while broader conclusions rely on narrative synthesis.