Understanding substance use in adolescents and young adults with autism
Official title: Prevalence, onset and progression of substance use in adolescents and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11013871 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how often young people with Autism Spectrum Disorders use alcohol and drugs, especially those who also have ADHD, to help find ways to better support them and improve treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | February 5, 2021 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $589,257 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AA029008-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013871 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 12-20 who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are outside the age range of 12-20 or do not have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the prevalence and progression of alcohol and drug use among adolescents and young adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). It aims to gather empirical data to better understand how common substance use is in this population, particularly focusing on those with co-occurring conditions like ADHD. By analyzing various factors, the study seeks to identify at-risk groups and improve screening and treatment approaches for substance use disorders in these individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better identification and treatment strategies for substance use disorders in adolescents and young adults with autism.
How similar studies have gone: While some Scandinavian studies suggest lower rates of substance use in the ASD population, this research aims to fill a gap in the empirical literature in the U.S., making it a novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spirito, Anthony — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Spirito, Anthony
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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A family-friendly study exploring how early sensory responses relate to language development in young children who have siblings with autism.
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.