Longitudinal Analysis of Mental Health in Autistic University Students Across an Academic Year.

Researchers followed 22 autistic university students for a full academic year to understand their mental health and how they cope with stress. Students started with high stress levels that stayed the same throughout the year. However, how they managed stress changed over time. The study shows autistic students are willing to participate in long-term research and suggests teaching better coping skills might help improve their wellbeing.

This proof-of-concept longitudinal study examined mental health patterns and coping strategies in 22 autistic university students across an academic year. Participants completed four rounds of online mental health questionnaires with over 80% retention rate. Results showed students began the year with high levels of mental health issues that remained stable throughout. However, network analysis revealed that connections between mental health and coping styles changed over time.

The study demonstrated feasibility of conducting longitudinal research with autistic university students and suggests coping strategies may be more dynamic than mental health symptoms, potentially offering intervention targets.

Results suggest sustained mental health support is needed for autistic university students. The dynamic nature of coping strategies indicates potential for targeted interventions focusing on adaptive coping skills rather than symptom reduction alone.

Small sample size (n=22) limits generalizability. Proof-of-concept design with unclear methodology. No comparison group included. Specific mental health measures and coping assessments not detailed in abstract.

Autistic people have worse mental health (MH) than non-autistic people. This proof-of-concept study explored feasibility of longitudinal research with autistic university students, focusing on their MH and coping styles across an academic year. Twenty-two students took part at all timepoints. They completed four rounds of online MH questionnaires.

Over 80% of students were retained. They started the year with high levels of all MH issues, which remained stable across the year. Network Change analysis showed the connections between MH and coping style changed over time. Autistic students are engaged participants who are likely to take part in longitudinal research.

While MH levels were stable, it may be that coping styles are a useful target for intervention.