Understanding mental health challenges in autistic adults
Mental Health in Autistic Adults: And RDoC Approach
This study is working to create a better questionnaire to help understand and identify suicidal thoughts and behaviors in autistic adults, with input from both autistic individuals and their supporters, so we can find ways to help those who might be at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10902129 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on the high rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among autistic adults, aiming to develop a new assessment tool specifically for this population. The study will involve autistic adults and their allies in refining a questionnaire designed to measure suicide risk more accurately than existing tools. By conducting cognitive interviews and large-scale testing, the research seeks to identify unique risk factors and improve the understanding of suicidality in autistic individuals. The goal is to create a reliable measure that can help in early identification and intervention for those at risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include autistic adults, particularly those who have experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have autism or those who are not experiencing any mental health challenges may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better suicide risk assessments and interventions for autistic adults, ultimately saving lives.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been some research on suicidality in autistic individuals, this approach of developing a tailored assessment tool is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mazefsky, Carla a — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Mazefsky, Carla a
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.