Understanding the Autistic Brain After Age 45
The Autistic Brain Over 45: The Anatomic, Functional, and Cognitive Phenotype
This project looks at how the brains and thinking skills of adults with autism change as they get older, especially after age 45.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Diego State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11078198 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We want to learn more about how the brains and thinking abilities of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) change as they age, particularly after 45. We're looking for new insights into how brain structure and function, as well as memory and behavior, might shift over time. Our goal is to identify factors that could lead to challenges as people with ASD get older, such as changes in brain chemistry. We will follow groups of adults with and without ASD over several years, using brain scans and various assessments to understand these changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults with autism spectrum disorder or typically developing adults between 40 and 70 years old who are willing to participate in long-term follow-up.
Not a fit: Patients outside the specified age range or those not interested in long-term observational participation may not directly benefit from this specific opportunity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could help us better understand the aging process in people with ASD, leading to earlier support and improved care strategies for older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While some cross-sectional findings exist, this project is novel in its longitudinal approach to understanding aging in ASD, making it a pioneering effort.
Where this research is happening
San Diego, United States
- San Diego State University — San Diego, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carper, Ruth — San Diego State University
- Study coordinator: Carper, Ruth
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.