Puberty and Development in Girls with Autism
Official title: Pubertal, Psychological and Physiological Development in Females with Autism
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11120843 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how puberty affects girls with autism, including their physical, emotional, and social changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $719,572 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD107695-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11120843 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are likely 10-year-old females with autism spectrum disorder who are entering or have recently entered puberty.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not female or are outside the specified age range for pubertal development may not directly benefit from this specific research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Corbett, Blythe Anne — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Corbett, Blythe Anne
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Pubertal and Psychological Development in Girls with ASD
A study following girls with autism as they go through puberty to understand how puberty timing affects their mental and physical health.
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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.