Exploring how social connections affect suicide risk in older autistic adults
Official title: Examining the Role of Social Connection in Suicide Risk for Older Autistic Adults: A Mixed Methods Study
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10727637 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how feelings of loneliness and being disconnected from others can affect suicidal thoughts and behaviors in older autistic adults, and it will involve talking to participants and gathering their experiences to better understand their challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $423,856 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH133861-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10727637 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older autistic adults who may be experiencing feelings of social isolation or loneliness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not autistic or who do not fall within the older adult age range may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between social disconnection and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in older autistic adults. By employing a mixed-methods approach, the study aims to gather both quantitative and qualitative data to better understand how feelings of loneliness and isolation contribute to suicide risk in this population. Participants will be engaged through interviews and surveys to capture their experiences and perspectives. The findings could provide valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by older autistic adults regarding mental health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved support and intervention strategies for older autistic adults at risk of suicide.
How similar studies have gone: While research has shown the impact of social connection on suicide risk in the general older adult population, this specific focus on older autistic adults is novel and has not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harrop, Clare Elizabeth — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Harrop, Clare Elizabeth
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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.