Outcomes in autistic people: an umbrella review

Background: Autistic people experience an increased risk of a range of negative outcomes, such as higher rates of suicide, mental health issues, unemployment and under-employment, and lower educational attainment, to name a few. However, no research has previously synthesised the available evidence to identify the full range of risks experienced by autistic people across the lifespan.Methods: This umbrella review identified and synthesised the reviews (systematic, meta-analysis and narrative) published on the risks associated with being autistic. We conducted a narrative synthesis of the findings and a quality review of the included publications.Results: Seven databases were searched and 13,841 records were identified. 134 reviews met the inclusion criteria. Three key topics were explored: mental health, physical health, and social and lifestyle.Discussion: This review highlights the many risks associated with autism, extending beyond autism diagnostic criteria and their influence on daily life. While we provide a comprehensive overview of the systematic evidence published on this topic, gaps will be identified. We provide recommendations for future research and explore the clinical implications of these findings.