Journal article
Associations Between Negative Social Experiences and Depressive Symptoms in Autistic Sexual and Gender Minority Youth
JAACAP open, v 3(4), pp 1006-1015
01 Dec 2025
PMID: 41367993
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Autistic lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) youth are at increased risk for negative mental health; however, no known studies have examined associations between specific social experiences and psychological distress within this group. The current study examined the effects of gender minority status and sexual minority status on negative social experiences (peer victimization and low degrees of authenticity) and depressive symptoms among autistic transition-aged youth, and explored whether associations between negative social experiences and depressive symptoms differed across gender/sexual identity.
Autistic youth (N = 203) between 15 and 26 years of age (mean = 18.69, SD = 2.58) were recruited through research registries. Youth and parents completed questionnaires, and youth participated in an interview. Biological sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation were collected from youth. Responses were coded into 3 gender/sexual identity groups: cisgender heterosexual (sex and gender match, heterosexual; n = 126), cisgender sexual minority (sex and gender match, sexual minority; n = 59), and gender minority (sex and gender do not match; n = 18). Youth questionnaires included measures of peer victimization, degree of authenticity when interacting with others, and depressive symptoms.
Peer victimization and authenticity did not differ across gender/sexual identity groups; however, gender minority youth reported greater depressive symptoms than cisgender heterosexual youth. Higher frequencies of peer victimization and lower degrees of authenticity were associated with depressive symptoms. The effects of peer victimization and authenticity on depressive symptoms were amplified for gender minority youth compared to cisgender heterosexual youth.
The current study demonstrates how certain social experiences negatively affect the psychological well-being of autistic youth, especially those who identify as gender minorities.
LGBTQ+ youth with autism are at increased risk for negative mental health outcomes; however, no known studies have examined associations between specific social experiences and psychological distress within this group. In this study, measures of peer victimization, authenticity, and depressive symptoms were collected among youth with autism and compared across gender/sexual identity (cisgender heterosexual, cisgender sexual minority, and gender minority). Gender minority youth reported greater depressive symptoms than cisgender heterosexual youth, and peer victimization and authenticity had more negative effects on the depressive symptoms of gender minority youth compared to cisgender heterosexual youth. This study demonstrates how key social experiences may negatively impact the psychological well-being of youth with autism, especially those who identify as gender minorities. It also highlights the need for early intervention to support the mental health of these high-risk youth.
[Display omitted]
Metrics
1 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Associations Between Negative Social Experiences and Depressive Symptoms in Autistic Sexual and Gender Minority Youth
- Creators
- Natalie Libster - Vanderbilt University Medical CenterRyan E. Adams - Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterSomer Bishop - University of California, San FranciscoShuting Zheng - University of California, San FranciscoJulie Lounds Taylor - Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Publication Details
- JAACAP open, v 3(4), pp 1006-1015
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 10
- Grant note
- US National Institutes of Health (https://doi.org/10.13039/100000002) National Institute of Mental Health (https://doi.org/10.13039/100000025) US Department of Defense (https://doi.org/10.13039/100000005) National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (https://doi.org/10.13039/100000071) National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (https://doi.org/10.13039/100006108)
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001631610700018
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105015558729
- Other Identifier
- 991022160223204721
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry