Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health Outcomes Among Transition-Age Autistic Youth

Abstract Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with poor health outcomes in the general population. However, their impact on autistic youth remains unclear. Objective The primary objective was to understand how childhood adversity is related to the general health, mental health, and physical health of transition-age autistic youth. Participants and Setting Using data from the 2018–2021 National Survey of Children’s Health, this cross-sectional study involved 2056 autistic youth aged 12–17. Methods Logistic regression was employed to test the association between three measures of ACEs - individual ACEs, cumulative ACEs, and grouped ACEs based on contexts, and health outcomes of autistic youth. Results Our study observed a high prevalence of ACEs among autistic youth, with a substantially higher proportion experiencing multiple ACEs than their neurotypical peers. Individual ACEs were significantly associated with specific health issues. Cumulative ACEs demonstrated a clear dose-response relationship with health outcomes, with higher ACE counts increasing the likelihood of experiencing poor general health, mental health conditions, and physical health issues. Moreover, grouped ACEs associated with health differently, with community-based ACEs being particularly linked to general health status, mental health conditions, and physical health conditions, while family-based ACEs correlated more with more severe mental health conditions and being overweight. Conclusion These findings collectively emphasize the importance of addressing ACEs as a public health concern among transition-age autistic youth, highlighting the need for targeted interventions, prevention strategies, and support services to mitigate the negative impact of ACEs on the overall well-being of this growing community.