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Perspectives from the Autism Community on the Potential Utility of a Novel Measure of Suicide Risk and Mental Health Symptoms for Autistic Youth: A Pilot Study

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Perspectives from the Autism Community on the Potential Utility of a Novel Measure of Suicide Risk and Mental Health Symptoms for Autistic Youth: A Pilot Study
Language: English
Authors: Paige E. Cervantes (ORCID 0000-0002-8615-0063), Robert D. Gibbons, Lawrence A. Palinkas, Greta R. Conlon, Sarah M. Horwitz
Source: Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities. 2025 37(4):601-612.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 12
Publication Date: 2025
Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (DHHS/NIH)
Contract Number: P50MH113662
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Suicide, Risk, Computer Assisted Testing, Screening Tests, Pilot Projects, Rating Scales, Mental Disorders, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Feedback (Response), Test Use, Youth
DOI: 10.1007/s10882-024-09963-7
ISSN: 1056-263X
1573-3580
Abstract: Because autistic youth experience increased suicide risk and there are no suicide risk screening tools for this population, existing measures need to be evaluated and then modified with input from the autism community. This pilot study obtained feedback from autistic youth, caregivers, and autism specialist clinicians (N = 14) on the applicability of a novel measure of suicide and mental health symptoms, the "Kiddie-Computerized Adaptive Test" (K-CAT) scales, for use with autistic youth. While impressions were largely positive and several features support its use, participants identified several concerns that warrant attention. Concerns aligned with those identified in previous research on other measures developed for the non-autistic population, with the most endorsed problem being language/terminology issues. Additional areas of assessment (e.g., perseveration, emotion dysregulation) were recommended to better capture the experience of suicidality in autistic youth. Results continue to underscore that measures developed for the general population cannot be applied to autistic individuals without thorough evaluation and potential modification. The feedback from community members in this study will be used in a future modification of the K-CAT for use with autistic youth.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1479105
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Because autistic youth experience increased suicide risk and there are no suicide risk screening tools for this population, existing measures need to be evaluated and then modified with input from the autism community. This pilot study obtained feedback from autistic youth, caregivers, and autism specialist clinicians (N = 14) on the applicability of a novel measure of suicide and mental health symptoms, the "Kiddie-Computerized Adaptive Test" (K-CAT) scales, for use with autistic youth. While impressions were largely positive and several features support its use, participants identified several concerns that warrant attention. Concerns aligned with those identified in previous research on other measures developed for the non-autistic population, with the most endorsed problem being language/terminology issues. Additional areas of assessment (e.g., perseveration, emotion dysregulation) were recommended to better capture the experience of suicidality in autistic youth. Results continue to underscore that measures developed for the general population cannot be applied to autistic individuals without thorough evaluation and potential modification. The feedback from community members in this study will be used in a future modification of the K-CAT for use with autistic youth.
ISSN:1056-263X
1573-3580
DOI:10.1007/s10882-024-09963-7