Puberty and Development in Girls with Autism

Pubertal, Psychological and Physiological Development in Females with Autism

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11120843

This project explores how puberty affects girls with autism, including their physical, emotional, and social changes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11120843 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Puberty is a significant developmental stage for everyone, but it can be especially complex for girls with autism. This project aims to understand how the timing and speed of pubertal changes impact their physical health, psychological well-being, and social interactions. Researchers are looking into why girls with autism might start puberty earlier and experience unique challenges like increased stress or social difficulties during this period. The goal is to gather more information about these specific experiences to better support girls with autism as they grow.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are likely 10-year-old females with autism spectrum disorder who are entering or have recently entered puberty.

Not a fit: Patients who are not female or are outside the specified age range for pubertal development may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: This work could lead to better strategies and support systems for girls with autism as they navigate the physical, emotional, and social changes of puberty.

How similar studies have performed: The research team has conducted previous studies showing advanced pubertal timing and distinct challenges in females with autism, providing a compelling foundation for this work.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Autistic Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.