Understanding how autistic adults experience and communicate pain
Official title: Measurement and Mechanisms of Pain in Autistic Adults
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10930094 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how autistic adults feel and show pain differently than others, so we can better understand their needs and help them get the right pain relief.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $507,397 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133354-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930094 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are autistic adults aged 21 and older who experience chronic pain or have difficulty communicating their pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not autistic or those who do not experience pain may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique ways in which autistic adults perceive and express pain, which may differ significantly from non-autistic individuals. By examining pain sensitivity and the communication of pain in this population, the study aims to identify specific challenges that autistic adults face in receiving appropriate pain management. The research will utilize various methodologies, including functional MRI, to explore the neural responses to pain and develop better assessment tools tailored for autistic individuals. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the understanding of pain in autism and improve treatment approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective pain management strategies for autistic adults, improving their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that autistic individuals may have different pain sensitivities, suggesting that this area of investigation is both relevant and necessary, though specific methodologies in this context may be novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Failla, Michelle Dawn — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Failla, Michelle Dawn
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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.