Suicidal Risk Behaviors in Adolescents With Rare Neurodevelopmental Disorders: The Role of Sex, Autistic Traits, and Mental Health Difficulties.

This study looked at suicide risk in teenagers with rare genetic conditions like Fragile X syndrome. Researchers found that 16% of these teens showed signs of suicide risk, which was more common in boys. While autistic traits were linked to suicide risk, anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems were stronger warning signs. Parents should watch for mental health concerns in their teens with rare conditions and seek help when needed.

This cross-sectional study examined suicidal risk behaviors in 93 adolescents with rare neurodevelopmental disorders (RNDs) such as sex chromosome aneuploidies, Fragile X syndrome, and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Parents completed standardized questionnaires assessing autistic traits, mental health difficulties, and behavioral problems. Results showed that 16.1% of adolescents exhibited suicidal risk behaviors, with higher prevalence among boys. While autistic traits were associated with suicidal risk in initial analysis, multivariate analysis revealed that anxiety/depressive symptoms and externalizing problems were stronger predictors of suicidal behaviors.

The findings suggest that adolescents with RNDs face elevated suicide risk, particularly those with co-occurring mental health difficulties.

Clinicians should routinely assess suicide risk in adolescents with rare neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly focusing on anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems rather than just autistic traits. Boys with RNDs may require enhanced monitoring. Comprehensive mental health screening and targeted interventions for identified risk factors are recommended.

Small sample size (N=93) limits generalizability. Cross-sectional design prevents causal inferences. Parent-report measures may introduce bias. Study population was predominantly female (62.4%), which may affect findings given sex differences observed. No comparison group without RNDs was included.

Autistic traits are associated with mental health difficulties and risk of suicidal risk behaviors among adolescents. Little is known about how autistic traits affect the mental health of adolescents with rare neurodevelopmental disorders (RNDs). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between autistic traits, mental health difficulties, and suicidal risk behaviors in adolescents with RNDs. Parents (N = 93) completed the Child Behavior Checklist, Social Communication Questionnaire, and Social Responsiveness Scale about their adolescent (Mage = 13.1, SD = 2.3, 62.4% females) with an RND (e.g., sex chromosome aneuploidies, Fragile X syndrome, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome).

The data were analyzed with hierarchical logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of suicidal risk behaviors (16.1%) was similar to that reported among autistic youth and was higher among boys than girls. More autistic traits were associated with suicidal risk behaviors in bivariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, more anxiety/depressive symptoms were associated with more suicidal risk behaviors and externalizing problems associated with suicidal risk behaviors beyond autistic traits and anxiety/depressive symptoms.

Adolescents with RNDs are at risk of suicidal risk behaviors, especially those with higher levels of autistic traits, anxiety/depressive symptoms, and externalizing problems. Assessment of autistic traits, mental health difficulties, and suicide risk may be indicated for adolescents with RNDs to determine if corresponding intervention is needed.