Brief Report: Convergence and Discrepancy Between Self- and Informant-Reported Depressive Symptoms in Young Autistic Adults.

The study did not include formal clinical diagnoses of depression, relying instead on screener scores. Self-report (BDI-II) and informant-report (ABCL) measures covered different timeframes (two weeks vs. six months), which may have influenced discrepancy findings. The sample consisted of speaking autistic adults with age-appropriate cognitive abilities, limiting generalizability to non-speaking individuals or those with intellectual disabilities. Groups differed in informant identity (parents vs. others) and demographic characteristics, though some were controlled for in analysis.

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report.

Do not interpret the lack of significant discrepancy in the autistic group after controlling for covariates as evidence that self-report is equally accurate as informant report. The initial finding showed autistic adults reported fewer symptoms than informants, and the loss of significance after adjustment does not prove equivalence, only that demographic factors explain some of the variance.