Understanding effective interventions for autistic individuals
Official title: Establishing Fidelity of Neurodiversity-Affirming Interventions
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-11035428 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how families and professionals choose the best support options for autistic individuals, focusing on approaches that celebrate neurodiversity, to better understand what really helps and to share helpful insights with everyone involved.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $242,290 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD117690-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035428 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include autistic individuals of all ages, as well as their families and caregivers who are seeking interventions that respect neurodiversity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as autistic or do not have a family member on the autism spectrum may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors influencing the decision-making process for interventions aimed at supporting autistic individuals, focusing on neurodiversity-affirming interventions (NAIs). It aims to explore how practitioners and families choose interventions based on their values and the experiences of the autism community. By examining the implementation and impact of NAIs, the research seeks to establish a clearer understanding of what constitutes effective support for autistic individuals. The study will involve gathering insights from various stakeholders to inform best practices in intervention selection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and supportive interventions for autistic individuals that align with their values and needs.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of neurodiversity-affirming interventions is gaining traction, this research is exploring a relatively novel area with limited prior empirical studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lerner, Matthew Daniel — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Lerner, Matthew Daniel
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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.