INTRODUCTION: Most studies on suicide exclude subjects with autism spectrum 
disorders, yet there is a risk group. The purpose of this article is to present 
the data in the literature regarding the clinical and epidemiological 
characteristics of suicidality in subjects with autism spectrum disorders and to 
identify the factors that promote the transition to action.
METHODS: This review was carried out using the data set collected in Medline 
PubMed, items with "autism spectrum disorder", "pervasive developmental 
disorder", "Asperger's syndrome", "suicide", "suicide attempt", and "suicide 
behavior".
RESULTS: In all subjects from our research on PubMed, 21.3% of subjects with 
autism spectrum disorder reported suicidal ideation, have attempted suicide or 
died by suicide (115 out of 539 subjects) and 7.7% of subjects supported for 
suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide exhibited an autism spectrum disorder (62 
out of 806 subjects), all ages combined. Suicidal ideation and morbid 
preoccupation are particularly common in adolescents and young adults. Suicide 
attempts are accompanied by a willingness for death and can lead to suicide. 
They are more common in high-functioning autism and Asperger subjects. The 
methods used are often violent and potentially lethal or fatal in two cases 
published. Suicide risk depends on many factors that highlight the vulnerability 
of these subjects, following autistic and developmental symptoms. Vulnerability 
complicating the diagnosis of comorbid depressive and anxiety disorders are 
major factors associated with suicidality. Vulnerability but also directly 
related to suicidality, since the origin of physical and sexual abuse and 
victimization by peers assigning them the role of "scapegoat" are both 
responsible for acting out.
CONCLUSION: Given the diversity of factors involved in the risk of suicide in 
this population, this does not validate "a" program of intervention, but the 
intervention of "customized programs". Their implementation should be as early 
as possible in order to treat while the brain has the greatest plasticity. The 
aim is to provide the necessary access to the greatest possible autonomy. Hence, 
including working communication skills and interaction, these subject will have 
independent means of protection, an essential complement to measures to protect 
vulnerable subjects; the vulnerability of direct and indirect suicidality. 
Comorbid diagnoses must take into account the specificities of these patients, 
their difficulties in communicating their mental state, and adapted and 
innovative therapeutic strategies must be offered and validated.