INFO: This data repository contains data of the article 'Conceptual Intersections of Autistic Characteristics, Internalizing and Externalizing behaviors, and Personality in Autistic Youth: A Network Analysis', published by [insert journal after acceptance] and accessible via [insert DOI article after acceptance]. AUTHORS: Margo M. J. Dewitte1, Ruth Van der Hallen2, Peter Prinzie3, Petra Warreyn4, and Sarah S. W. De Pauw1 1 Department of Special Needs Education, Ghent University, Belgium 2 Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands 3 Department of Developmental, Personality, and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium 4 Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium

ABSTRACT: Autistic characteristics, internalizing/externalizing behaviors, and personality traits are well-established psychological constructs, yet their interrelations have never been assessed simultaneously in a sample of autistic youth. This study uses network analysis to examine relations between these constructs, based on parent reports from 434 children and adolescents (aged 6–18 years; Mage = 11.5, SD = 3.0; 69% boys) regarding their child’s autistic characteristics (SRS-2, RBS-R), internalizing and externalizing problems (CBCL), and Five Factor personality traits (HiPIC). Results show clear associations between personality and both internalizing and externalizing problems in the network, suggesting personality and internalizing/externalizing are distinct yet related constructs. In contrast, core autistic characteristics appeared more distantly linked. Strong inverse associations emerged between Benevolence and Externalizing problems, and between Emotional Stability and Internalizing difficulties. These findings underscore the need for integrative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches addressing autistic, internalizing/externalizing, and personality-based behavior patterns. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.