Investigating how autistic adults perceive and communicate pain
Official title: Pain sensitivity and endogenous pain modulation in autistic adults
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10818606 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how autistic adults feel and talk about pain differently than non-autistic adults, with the goal of finding better ways to help manage pain for autistic individuals as they get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $196,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG080308-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10818606 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are autistic adults aged 21 and older who experience chronic pain or have difficulty communicating about their pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not autistic or those who do not experience chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how autistic adults experience pain differently compared to non-autistic adults, particularly in the context of communication challenges. The study aims to explore the intensity of pain reported by autistic individuals and the associated anxiety, as well as the neural responses to pain. By examining these factors, the research seeks to improve pain management strategies for autistic adults, especially as they age and face chronic pain conditions. The methodology includes assessing pain perception and communication abilities in a diverse group of autistic adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management and treatment strategies tailored specifically for autistic adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that autistic individuals experience pain differently, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights, although this specific focus on adult pain perception is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Failla, Michelle Dawn — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Failla, Michelle Dawn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how trinucleotide repeat expansions cause disease
A research project at Ohio State University is exploring how tiny DNA repeats become unstable and drive neurological and muscular diseases, with potential implications for future therapies.
-
Pediatric Prehospital Airway Resuscitation for Critically Ill Children
This grant tests the best way for paramedics to manage breathing tubes and other airways in seriously ill children before they reach the hospital.
-
From Social Breakups to Brain Changes in Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias
This grant explores how losing social connections may trigger brain changes and inflammation linked to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
Understanding why patients with blood cancers start and stick with oral cancer medicines
A study to learn what helps or hinders Black patients with blood cancers in starting and continuing their prescribed oral cancer medicines.
-
How sex and hormones affect alcohol's impact on sleep in adults
This study tests how sex and hormone changes influence how alcohol disrupts sleep in healthy adults, with a focus on women aged 21-45.
-
Natural products to block IL-8 signaling and prevent Barrett's Esophagus from turning into esophageal cancer
A搜索-friendly plan to use safe natural compounds to interrupt a key inflammatory signal (IL-8) and stop Barrett’s esophagus from turning into esophageal cancer in people with GERD.
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.