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Depression and Employment Outcomes in Autistic Adults: A Systematic Review

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Abstract

Autistic adults face elevated risks for depression and unemployment, yet a systematic review of studies on the intersection of depression and employment in autism is needed to inform research and clinical efforts. The present review synthesizes findings from studies that (1) measure both depression and employment in autistic adults, and (2) empirically test associations between these constructs. Results support other work indicating elevated prevalence rates of depression and unemployment in autism with new information on the complex associations between constructs. Insights from the present review were used to (1) discuss associations between depression and employment in autism, (2) identify current challenges to understanding the intersection of depression and employment in autism, (3) propose future lines of research, and (4) suggest clinical applications for providers (e.g., mental health clinicians, vocational rehabilitation practitioners) working with autistic adults.

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Notes

  1. We used identity-first language (e.g., autistic adults) in this paper as it is the preference of most autistic people (Kenny et al., 2016) and supported by recent research (Bottema-Beutel et al., 2021).

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Funding

This work was supported by a grant from the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at Vanderbilt University. The authors would like to thank the Frist Center for providing support and funding for this systematic review.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1500 21st Avenue South, Suite 2200, TN, 37212, Nashville, USA

    Jessica M. Schwartzman & Blythe A. Corbett

  2. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, USA

    Jessica M. Schwartzman & Blythe A. Corbett

  3. Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA

    Blythe A. Corbett

  4. Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA

    Jessica M. Schwartzman & Blythe A. Corbett

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  1. Jessica M. Schwartzman
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All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Initial review of articles and material preparation were performed by Jessica M. Schwartzman. Final review of included articles was performed by Blythe A. Corbett. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Jessica M. Schwartzman and Blythe A. Corbett commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Jessica M. Schwartzman.

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Blythe A. Corbett is the founder of SENSE Theatre Ⓡ but derives no financial compensation from the non-profit 501©(3) entity. Jessica M. Schwartzman does not have any non-financial interests to declare.

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Schwartzman, J.M., Corbett, B.A. Depression and Employment Outcomes in Autistic Adults: A Systematic Review. Rev J Autism Dev Disord 11, 157–171 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-022-00331-9

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