Individuals diagnosed with autism are more propensity found to turn towards recreational drugs for self-medicating purposes

In a groundbreaking study published in The Lancet Psychiatry, researchers from the University of Cambridge have uncovered significant differences in substance use among autistic and non-autistic individuals. The research, funded by several notable organisations including the Autism Research Trust, was conducted by William Mandy, Keir E. Maddern, and Emily R. Simonoff, among others.

The study surveyed a total of 2,386 adolescents and adults aged 16-90 years, with 1,183 participants identifying as autistic and 1,203 as non-autistic. The research employed a 'mixed methods' design, considering both the frequency and self-reported experiences of substance use among autistic individuals.

One of the key findings was that autistic individuals are over three times more likely to report using substances to manage mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Furthermore, autistic teenagers and adults were over four times more likely to report vulnerability associated with substance use compared to their non-autistic peers.

Interestingly, the study found that while autistic adults were nearly nine times more likely than non-autistic peers to report using recreational drugs to manage unwanted symptoms, including autism-related symptoms, only 4% of autistic adults reported binge-drinking compared to 8% of non-autistic adults.

Moreover, the study identified two new areas of vulnerability: being forced, tricked, or accidentally taking drugs; and childhood use of substances (at the age of 12 years or younger).

Dr. Carrie Allison, a member of the research team, stressed the importance of healthcare providers acknowledging these findings. She urged healthcare providers to not assume that their autistic patients aren't using drugs and to aim to establish trusting relationships to discuss substance use.

Elizabeth Weir, the lead researcher of the study, emphasised the need for new forms of effective support for autistic individuals due to the complex associations between substance use, mental health, and behavior management. Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, another member of the team, highlighted that the research identified substance use as another area of vulnerability for autistic adults and stressed the need to ensure equal access to high-quality social and healthcare for autistic individuals.

This research underscores the need for increased awareness and support for autistic individuals regarding substance use. It is crucial that healthcare providers and policymakers take these findings into account to ensure the wellbeing and safety of autistic individuals.

Individuals diagnosed with autism are more propensity found to turn towards recreational drugs for self-medicating purposes