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Objectives <p>This study investigates how neurodivergent traits relate to mental wellbeing and resilience among early adolescents in a non-clinical, community-based sample in India. We examined the potential mediating role of perceived social support to better understand protective mechanisms&#xa0;for mental wellbeing and resilience.</p> Methods <p>Participants included 274 early adolescents (ages 10–14; mean = 12.5) from rural, peri-urban and urban communities in Darjeeling, India. Participants completed a survey that assessed neurodivergent traits (Autism Spectrum Quotient; AQ), perceived social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support; MSPSS), mental wellbeing (WHO-5), and resilience (Child and Youth Resilience Measure; CYRM).</p> Results <p>Higher levels of neurodivergent traits were significantly associated with lower mental wellbeing and resilience. Regression models including both neurodivergent traits and perceived social support explained 27% of the variation in mental wellbeing and 56% of the variation in resilience. Structural equation models indicated partial mediation, with perceived social support accounting for 28% of the total effect on mental wellbeing and 49% on resilience. Support from friends, but not family support,&#xa0;was inversely related to neurodivergent traits&#xa0;and positively associated with mental wellbeing and resilience. </p> Conclusions <p>Findings underscore the critical role of peer and family support in shaping mental wellbeing and resilience among neurodivergent youth. Neurodiversity affirming interventions in low- and middle-income countries should prioritize inclusive social environments that strengthen peer connections during early adolescence&#xa0;as a pathway to cultivating resilience.</p>

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Neurodiversity, Social Support, and Mental Wellbeing: Pathways to Resilience Among Early Adolescents

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月10日

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  • Megan Cherewick,
  • Judy Reaven,
  • Priscilla Giri,
  • Roshan P. Rai,
  • Christina M. Cruz,
  • Jenn A. Leiferman,
  • Michael Matergia

摘要

Objectives

This study investigates how neurodivergent traits relate to mental wellbeing and resilience among early adolescents in a non-clinical, community-based sample in India. We examined the potential mediating role of perceived social support to better understand protective mechanisms for mental wellbeing and resilience.

Methods

Participants included 274 early adolescents (ages 10–14; mean = 12.5) from rural, peri-urban and urban communities in Darjeeling, India. Participants completed a survey that assessed neurodivergent traits (Autism Spectrum Quotient; AQ), perceived social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support; MSPSS), mental wellbeing (WHO-5), and resilience (Child and Youth Resilience Measure; CYRM).

Results

Higher levels of neurodivergent traits were significantly associated with lower mental wellbeing and resilience. Regression models including both neurodivergent traits and perceived social support explained 27% of the variation in mental wellbeing and 56% of the variation in resilience. Structural equation models indicated partial mediation, with perceived social support accounting for 28% of the total effect on mental wellbeing and 49% on resilience. Support from friends, but not family support, was inversely related to neurodivergent traits and positively associated with mental wellbeing and resilience.

Conclusions

Findings underscore the critical role of peer and family support in shaping mental wellbeing and resilience among neurodivergent youth. Neurodiversity affirming interventions in low- and middle-income countries should prioritize inclusive social environments that strengthen peer connections during early adolescence as a pathway to cultivating resilience.