Suicide risk, trauma, and protective factors in autistic adults
Suicidality in autistic adults: The role of social adversity, trauma, and protective factors
This project looks at how trauma, social hardship, thinking patterns, and supports relate to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in autistic adults aged 18–40.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11106386 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you'll be asked to be part of a multi-year study that follows autistic adults (ages 18–40) to track suicidal thoughts and behaviors over time. The team will collect information about experiences of trauma and social adversity, cognitive patterns linked to suicide risk, and protective supports that might help. Participation involves surveys, cognitive measures, and periodic follow-up visits that may be in person or online. The project was developed with input from the autistic community to make study procedures more accessible and relevant.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Autistic adults between about 18 and 40 years old, including those with prior suicidal thoughts or traumatic experiences, are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People under 18, over 40, without an autism diagnosis, or those seeking immediate clinical treatment rather than research participation would not be eligible and are unlikely to benefit directly from joining.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal which experiences and supports most reduce suicide risk in autistic adults, helping guide prevention and services.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows high suicide risk in autistic adults and links between trauma and suicide in non-autistic groups, but testing these mechanisms and protective factors specifically in autistic adults is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beck, Kelly Battle — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Beck, Kelly Battle
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 below.