Warrier V, et al. - Given the significantly elevated rates of childhood trauma, self-harm, and suicidal behavior and ideation (SSBI) among autistic individuals, researchers investigated whether a genetic predisposition for autism is associated with childhood trauma. They used polygenic scores (PGS) and genetic correlations in the UK Biobank (105,222 < N < 105,638), and inquired potential mediators and moderators of the association between autism, childhood trauma, and SSBI. Findings revealed a significant association of autism PGS with childhood trauma, self-harm ideation, and self-harm. In support of this, significant genetic correlations were identified between autism and childhood trauma, self-harm ideation and self-harm, and an over-transmission of PGS for the two SSBI phenotypes from parents to autistic probands. The effect of autism PGS on childhood trauma was negatively affected in relation to the male gender. In addition, childhood trauma had positively moderated the effect of autism PGS on self-harm score and self-harm ideation. Finally, significant mediators of the effect of autism PGS on SSBI were depressive symptoms, quality and frequency of social interactions, and educational attainment, with the proportion of effect mediated ranging from 0.23 for depression to 0.008 for educational attainment. Findings thereby suggested an association of a genetic predisposition for autism with adverse lifetime outcomes, which represents complex gene-environment interactions. They suggest recognition of sources of trauma for autistic individuals as significant to lessen their occurrence and impact.