Exploring healthy relationships for autistic individuals
Official title: Healthy Relationships on the Autism Spectrum: Feasibility and Target Engagement
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11007167 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a friendly online program called HEARTS that helps autistic adults improve their social skills and build better friendships and romantic relationships, all while celebrating their unique perspectives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $206,725 |
| NIH project number | 5R34MH131919-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007167 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are autistic adults aged 18-40 who are seeking to improve their social skills and relationship quality.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not on the autism spectrum or those outside the age range of 18-40 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing a program called Healthy Relationships on the Autism Spectrum (HEARTS) aimed at improving social skills and relationship quality for autistic adults. The program consists of six online sessions co-facilitated by both autistic and non-autistic individuals, emphasizing a neurodiversity-affirming approach. Participants will learn to identify healthy versus unhealthy relationships and gain skills to initiate friendships and romantic connections, rather than conforming to traditional social norms. The study aims to assess the feasibility and engagement of this innovative intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower autistic individuals to build healthier relationships and reduce social anxiety.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in community-based interventions for autistic individuals, making this approach both innovative and grounded in successful methodologies.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rothman, Emily F — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Rothman, Emily F
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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.