A new study suggests that autistic children are at a greater risk for suicide.

Researchers used data from 791 kids with an autism spectrum disorder, 186 that did not have autism or mental condition, and 35 non-autistic children with depression, MyHealth News Daily reports.

The results were stunning. Autistic children were 28 times more likely to contemplate or attempt suicide. Children with depression -- three times more likely to do the same.

Autistic kids who were male, part of a low-income family, Hispanic or African-American, or at least 10 years of age were all seen as a higher risk, the site adds.

The strongest predictor of suicide contemplation or attempts: depression.

The study was published in the journal Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders.