IMPORTANCE Multiple studies have reported that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at a higher risk for self-injurious behavior and suicide. However, the magnitude of this association varies between studies. OBJECTIVE To appraise the available epidemiologic studies on the risk of self-injurious behavior and suicidality among children and adults with ASD.DATA SOURCES PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were systematically searched for epidemiologic studies on the association between ASD and self-injurious behavior and suicidality. Databases were searched from year of inception to April through June 2020. No language, age, or date restrictions were applied.STUDY SELECTION This systematic review and meta-analysis included studies with an observational design and compared self-injurious behavior (defined as nonaccidental behavior resulting in self-inflicted physical injury but without intent of suicide or sexual arousal) and/or suicidality (defined as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, or suicide) in children (aged <20 years) or adults (aged Ն20 years) with ASD.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESISInformation on study design, study population, ASD and selfharm definitions, and outcomes were extracted by independent investigators. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Overall summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were estimated using DerSimonian-Laird random-effects models.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURESThe ORs for the associations of ASD with self-injurious behavior and suicidality were calculated. Analyses were stratified by study setting and age groups as planned a priori.
RESULTSThe search identified 31 eligible studies, which were of moderate to high quality. Of these studies, 16 (52%) were conducted in children, 13 (42%) in adults, and 2 (6%) in both children and adults. Seventeen studies assessed the association between ASD and self-injurious behavior and reported ORs that ranged from 1.21 to 18.76, resulting in a pooled OR of 3.18 (95% CI, 2.45-4.12).Sixteen studies assessed the association between ASD and suicidality and reported ORs that ranged from 0.86 to 11.10, resulting in a pooled OR of 3.32 (95% CI, 2.60-4.24). In stratified analyses, results were consistent between clinical and nonclinical settings and between children and adults.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCEThis study found that ASD was associated with a substantial increase in odds of self-injurious behavior and suicidality in children and adults. Further research is (continued) Key Points Question What excess risk of self-harm, including self-injurious behaviors and suicidality, is associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? Findings This systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 studies found that the pooled odds of self-harm in people with ASD was more than 3 times the odds in people without ASD. The excess odds of self-harm were found in both children and adults (although a slightly higher risk was identified in adults) across geographic regions and regardless of study designs, methods, and settings. Mea...