Exploring the Relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Mental Health in Adults

Abstract

Introduction: Identities in society are a component of the self-concept and are related to psychological opinions of group affiliations. It was discovered in the past that social identification with groups is related to better mental health results.

Objective: In this investigation, adults with autism were measured for social identity using a reliable scale with a factor pattern.

Methods: Participants in this study were people with autism who had received a diagnosis. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was carried out to find the factor pattern linked to social relationships after measuring social identity using a valid scale. The scope of social affiliation with various groups, the total number of societal identities, as well as the relationship between such identities and mental health indices were all evaluated in the study.

Results: Individuals with autism expressed sentiments of societal identification with a variety of groups, some with several groups, while others did not have a sense of social connection with any particular group. Less significant self-reported indicators of depression along with greater characteristics of beneficial mental health are linked to stronger sentiments of social identity with other autistic persons, towards family members, and with greater numbers of groups.

Conclusion: These results highlight the need of encouraging social interaction among autistic individuals.