Creating a risk index to predict mortality in older autistic adults
Official title: Developing an autism-specific mortality risk index using data from Medicare-enrolled autistic older adults
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11081808 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a new tool to help understand and predict health risks for older adults with autism, so we can better support their well-being and address the unique challenges they face as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $665,106 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082873-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081808 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a specialized mortality risk index for older adults on the autism spectrum, addressing the heightened risk of premature death in this population. By utilizing machine learning techniques and analyzing both national administrative data and local health records, the study will identify specific health conditions that contribute to mortality risk. The research will compare existing mortality risk tools with a new autism-specific index to better predict outcomes for autistic individuals aged 65 and older. Ultimately, this work seeks to enhance understanding of the health challenges faced by aging autistic adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved risk assessment and targeted interventions for older autistic adults, potentially reducing mortality rates.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research into mortality risks in various populations, this specific approach focusing on aging autistic adults is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hand, Brittany Nicole — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Hand, Brittany Nicole
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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.