Advancing Care for Autistic Older Adults
Official title: Advancing the System of Care for Autistic Older Adults
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-11412961 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A nationwide study will look at health and mental health needs of autistic adults aged 40 and older, using Medicare/Medicaid data plus surveys and interviews.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $460,331 |
| NIH project number | 5P50HD111142-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412961 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Autistic adults aged 40 and older, and their caregivers, across the United States.
✕Less likely to help
If you are under 40 or not an autistic adult, this study may not impact you.
What this research studies
This project aims to map how autistic adults age, using large insurance data and direct input from autistic individuals and their caregivers. Researchers will combine national claims data with surveys and interviews to understand health outcomes, service needs, and costs over time. The goal is to identify gaps in care and point to ways to improve support for aging autistic adults and their families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: It could lead to better caregiver support, care access, and health outcomes for autistic adults as they age.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has started to show patterns in aging with autism, but comprehensive national aging-focused data are limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shea, Lindsay Lawer — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Shea, Lindsay Lawer
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.