Socioecological factors linked to autism and suicide risk in youth

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project uses a mixed-methods approach with input from autistic individuals, healthcare leaders, and experts to map how individual traits, neighborhood resources, and policy systems interact to affect suicide risk and access to care. It will identify patterns and clusters of risk factors across levels and examine current mental health services for autistic youths. The findings could guide tailored prevention strategies and improvements in how care is delivered to autistic patients at risk of suicide. The study is collaborative, involves multiple data sources, and aims to translate insights into practical recommendations for communities and providers.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Florida
  Gainesville, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Marlow, Nicole M. — University of Florida
• Study coordinator: Marlow, Nicole M.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Suicide prevention help for Veterans using VA community care

  A program called VA BIC aims to reduce suicide risk among Veterans who receive mental health care outside VA facilities, by providing brief interventions and follow-up contact.

  NIH research White River Junction VA Medical Center · White River Junction, UNITED STATES · NIH-11308645

• Integrating suicide prevention into community mental health programs for mothers in low-resource areas

  This study is all about helping mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth by making sure they get the mental health support they need, especially to prevent suicidal thoughts, by training community members to recognize and help with these feelings.

  NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-11306951

• Making short coping plans more helpful using phones and wearables

  Researchers will use phone check-ins and wearable sensors to learn when brief safety plans help people recently discharged from psychiatric hospitals who are at high risk for suicide.

  NIH research Ohio State University · Columbus, UNITED STATES · NIH-11238883

• Understanding Parental Support for Sexual Minority Youth to Prevent Suicide

  This project looks at how parents' mental health and their willingness to seek help can support their sexual minority children and help prevent suicide.

  NIH research University of Southern California · Los Angeles, UNITED STATES · NIH-11173626

• Improving coping skills for preventing suicide using technology.

  This study is looking to improve coping skills that help prevent suicide for people who have just left psychiatric care, by using technology to see how and when these skills work best during tough times, and it will involve 240 individuals who are at higher risk.

  NIH research Ohio State University · Columbus, UNITED STATES · NIH-11058905

• Integrating suicide prevention into community mental health programs for mothers in low-resource areas

  This study is all about helping mothers during and after pregnancy by training community members to spot and support those who might be feeling suicidal, especially in areas where resources are limited.

  NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-10877853

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.