Childhood adversity, resilience, and autism: a critical review of the literature

The long-term, negative physical and mental health effects of childhood adversity are well-documented in the literature, as are the mitigating effects of resilience factors. However, for those on the autism spectrum, these phenomena are relatively unstudied and not well-understood. Articulating the concept of mental health as a function of childhood adversity, resilience, and autistic identity, provides a foundation from which to conduct research and provide clinical mental health supports to individuals on the autism spectrum. Research on adversity and resilience in this population must consider neurodiversity and foreground the perspectives of the autism and autistic communities in research design, study implementation, and findings dissemination. Points of interest Children on the autism spectrum experience more adversity and more mental health challenges than their non-autistic peers, a relationship that is not well-understood by researchers or clinicians. Autistic adults can provide insight into their experience of adversity and the potential influence of it on their mental health. It is unclear what factors contribute to protecting autistic children from the potential negative effects of adversity. This protection is known as resilience and may be developed differently in children on the autism spectrum. Childhood adversity and resilience are important considerations in developing mental health supports for individuals on the autism spectrum. Research and clinical practice can adopt a neurodiversity-affirming perspective to better meet the mental health needs of autistic individuals. Engaging the autistic community to provide their perspectives and experiences is vital to developing effective mental health strategies for those on the autism spectrum.