Studies
Mortality Risk of Autistic Older Adults
This study aims to better understand why autistic adults—especially those over 65—tend to have shorter lifespans than their non-autistic counterparts. Researchers will analyze large healthcare datasets to identify patterns of health conditions that may increase risk. Using this information, the team will develop a new, autism-specific tool that estimates an individual’s risk of serious health outcomes based on their overall health profile. This tool is designed to be easier and more accurate for autistic adults than existing approaches.
The goal is to help doctors and researchers more easily identify individuals who may be at higher risk to support earlier, more personalized care. Ultimately, this work seeks to improve health outcomes and quality of life for autistic adults as they age.
Mortality Risk NIH RePORTER Listing
Toward Healthy Aging in Autistic Adults
An Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) project, this prospective, longitudinal study is designed to better understand how aging affects autistic adults across the lifespan. Researchers will follow a large group of autistic and non-autistic adults over time, collecting information on health, memory and thinking, daily functioning, and brain changes.
By bringing together many types of data, the team aims to learn whether autistic adults experience aging differently than non-autistic adults, including whether certain changes may happen earlier or more quickly. They will also look at how factors like mental health and physical health are connected to aging outcomes. Ultimately this work is intended to guide future care and interventions that support healthier aging and improved quality of life for autistic adults.
Autism Data Science Initiative (ADSI)
This project is part of a national effort to use large-scale data to improve understanding of autism and real-world outcomes. It focuses on bringing together information from many different sources, such as healthcare, services, and research studies, to better capture what outcomes look like for autistic individuals.
This study will examine how autistic adults use services and supports (like employment programs or healthcare) and how these experiences relate to well-being, mental health, and participation in daily life. By combining and harmonizing these data across multiple sites and partners, the project aims to create a clearer, more consistent picture of outcomes that matter to autistic people and their families. Ultimately, the goal is to turn data into actionable insights—helping researchers, clinicians, and policymakers design better services and supports that promote quality of life and community engagement for autistic individuals across the lifespan.
Mental Health Provider Survey
This study focuses on improving mental health care for autistic adults by learning how therapists and clinicians are trained to support them. Researchers will survey mental health providers across the United States to better understand their experiences, training, and approaches when working with autistic clients.
By gathering insights from a large and diverse group of providers, the project aims to identify what is working well and where additional training or support may be needed. It will also explore ways to promote more autism-affirming practices in everyday care. Ultimately, this work is intended to help strengthen training programs for therapists and improve the quality of mental health services for autistic adults, leading to more inclusive, effective, and person-centered care.
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For more information about these projects, including easy-to-reach research briefs and opportunities to get involved, visit our Community Hub. There, you can learn how research is making a difference and find ways to participate or stay connected.