University of Iowa study links high IQ with suicidal ideation in kids with autism

A new University Of Iowa study has found a link between suicidal thoughts and twice exceptional youth.

Twice exceptional youth are kids who have both exceptional ability and a disability.

The new UI study narrows in on children who have both an autism diagnosis and high IQ.

The study found autistic children with an IQ of 120 or higher are nearly six times more likely to have thoughts of suicide.

Researchers tell Iowa's News Now it's unexpected, because usually a high IQ is associated with better outcomes and less suicidal ideation -- if you're neurotypical.

But if you fall under the autism umbrella, the study's author says having a higher IQ can present problems other people on the spectrum may not experience.

"This is an underserved part of the autism community, and I've gotten pushback from people who are like, 'well, you know they're, they have high IQ,' and there's, from some quarters, there's a little bit less sympathy because, 'well they have that going for them," said Jacob Michaelson, PhD, UI Associate Professor of Psychiatry and senior author of the study.

Doctor Michaelson also says the study got a lot of traction on some online forums, with hundreds of people saying they felt validated by the findings.

The hope is to continue the research through some of those comments.

Michaelson says there's a long way to go before they can apply the findings therapeutically.