Adults with Asperger Syndrome (AS) are significantly more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, a new study suggests.

AS is considered a form of autism. People affected usually have a normal IQ, but they may have very poor communication, social and emotional skills. Characteristics can include difficulties forming relationships, a lack of empathy and a big reliance on routines and timetables.

According to Irish Autism Action, several thousand people in Ireland are thought to have the condition.

UK researchers surveyed over 370 men and women diagnosed with AS and found that suicidal thoughts were much more common among those with the condition compared to the general population.

In fact, those with AS were nine times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts than their peers without AS.

Altogether, 66% of those with AS had thought about suicide and 35% had actually planned or attempted it.

Among people with AS, those with a history of depression were even more at risk. They were four times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and twice as likely to plan or attempt suicide.

The researchers also noted that those with a higher level of autistic traits were more likely to plan or attempt suicide.

"Our findings confirm anecdotal reports that adults with Asperger Syndrome have a significantly higher risk of suicide in comparison to other clinical groups, and that depression is a key risk factor in this," commented lead researcher, Dr Sarah Cassidy, of Cambridge University's Autism Research Centre.

The researchers pointed out that those with AS often suffer with depression as a result of loneliness, social isolation or exclusion, under-achievement, unemployment and a lack of community services.

"Their depression and risk of suicide are preventable with the appropriate support. This study should be a wake-up call for the urgent need for high quality services to prevent the tragic waste of even a single life," said co-research lead, Prof Simon Baron-Cohen.

Details of these findings are published in the journal, The Lancet Psychiatry.

For more information on depression, see our Depression Clinic here