Better suicide risk screening for autistic adults
Mental Health in Autistic Adults: And RDoC Approach
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11121001
A new questionnaire is being made to better find and measure suicide risk in autistic adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11121001 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
As an autistic adult, you would help shape a new suicide-risk questionnaire by reviewing questions and taking part in short interviews to make sure items are clear and meaningful. The team will run cognitive interviews with about 25 autistic adults (at least 10 with a history of suicidal thoughts or behavior) to refine the items. About 1,000 autistic and non-autistic adults will then complete the draft questionnaire and related online measures so researchers can test how well the questions capture a range of suicide risk and compare them to existing screens. A subgroup of 300 participants will repeat the measure to check consistency over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Autistic adults aged 21 and older (including older adults) who can complete online questionnaires or short interviews, with people who have past suicidal thoughts or behaviors especially encouraged to participate.
Not a fit: People under 21, those without autism, or anyone needing immediate crisis care are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help clinicians and supporters spot suicide risk in autistic adults more accurately and tailor supports sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Many standard suicide screening tools do not work well for autistic adults, so creating a tailored measure is a relatively new approach and is not yet widely proven.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MAZEFSKY, CARLA A — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: MAZEFSKY, CARLA A
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 below.