Improving Autism Assessment for Diné Families
Official title: Advancing Hózhó in Autism Assessment (AHAA) for Diné Families
Funded at Northern Arizona University · NIH-11145921 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work aims to create better ways to diagnose autism spectrum disorder for Diné children and their families, making sure the process respects their culture.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northern Arizona University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Flagstaff, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $234,851 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH133405-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11145921 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This work is focused on understanding and improving autism assessment practices for Diné children and their parents or guardians.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not identifying as Diné or those outside the scope of autism assessment practices may not directly benefit from this specific work.
What this research studies
Many Indigenous children, including those who are Diné, face challenges getting an autism diagnosis and the support they need. This project wants to understand how current autism assessments can be made more respectful and helpful for Diné children and their parents. We will gather information to develop new recommendations for assessment practices that truly fit the cultural values and experiences of Diné families. Our goal is to help ensure that every child receives an accurate diagnosis and access to the right services.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more accurate and culturally sensitive autism diagnoses for Diné children, improving their access to timely support and services.
How similar studies have gone: While the need for culturally responsive care is recognized, this specific approach to developing recommendations for Diné families is a novel and important step.
Where this research is happening
-
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lindly, Olivia J — Northern Arizona University
- Study coordinator: Lindly, Olivia J
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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.