Publications

Comparing the prevalence of substance use disorders between persons with and without autism spectrum disorders

Recent research has suggested that people with autism spectrum disorder may be disproportionately at risk of substance use disorders. This study analyzed national-level Medicaid Claims…

Prevalence of Substance Use Disorder Among Autistic Youth With and Without Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions and a History of Trauma

Autistic youth have lower overall rates of substance use disorders than non-autistic youth, but co-occurring mental health conditions and adverse childhood experiences increase their risk…

Mental health hospitalization and readmission in autistic adults in a national U.S. sample

The objectives of this study were to, 1) estimate U.S. national rates of mental health hospitalization (MHH) and all-cause readmission, and 2) explore characteristics associated…

Choices and control in daily life and services among adults with autism using services in the United States

This study explores how adults with autism exercise choice and control. Using 2018-2019 National Core Indicator - In-Person Survey, it compares choices in life and…

Identifying and Addressing the Missing Links Between Research, Policy, and Practice in Autism Research: Lessons From Early Autism Screening and Intervention Research

The evidence base on autism diagnosis and intervention has grown exponentially in the past two decades, but there continue to be gaps in the path…

Health disparities persist for adults with developmental disabilities: NHIS insights, 1999-2018

This study assesses changes in self-reported health and healthcare status among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) over the past 20 years, utilizing data…

Assessing STI and HIV risks among autistic individuals: Implications for healthcare access and intervention

Better prevention of STIs among autistic people is advisable.

Material hardship and sources of support for autistic adolescents and their families

This exploratory study used the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) to compare the financial well-being of families of adolescents with and without…

Colliding public health priorities: A call to improve the understanding of autistic individuals utilizing housing assistance

Study identifies HUD housing use by autistic individuals in the U.S.

Methods to reduce fraudulent participation and highlight autistic voices in research

Over the past decade, especially since the pandemic, online autism research has expanded opportunities for global inclusion and diversity but faces challenges from scammers, requiring…

Changes in Child Health Care, Health, and Caregiver Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Children with Autism and Special Health Care Needs

This study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic affected child health care, child health, and caregiver and household health among children with autism and special health…

Self-identification of autism: Why some autistic adults lack a clinical diagnosis and why this matters for inclusion

Challenges and Opportunities in Transitioning Autistic Individuals Into Adulthood

About 1.2 million autistic youth will become adults in the next decade, and we created a transitions research plan based on feedback from autistic young…

Self-Reported COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Acceptance and Hesitancy Among Autistic Adults in Pennsylvania: Cross-Sectional Analysis of Survey Data

This study examines COVID-19 vaccination and booster acceptance among autistic adults, analyzing survey data from Pennsylvania (April 11–September 12, 2022) using chi-square and ANOVA to…

Perinatal and Postpartum Health Among People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

This study found that birthing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are younger at first delivery and have higher risks for several medical and…

Completion of Upper Secondary Mainstream School in Autistic Students in Sweden

Autistic students without intellectual disabilities are significantly less likely to finish high school compared to their non-autistic peers, highlighting the need for more inclusive school…

Inextricably tied: Nonbinary autistic individuals’ views on how their gender identity and autism are connected

This study examines the experiences and identities of 44 nonbinary autistic individuals, revealing their perspectives on gender fluidity and the interplay between their autistic and…

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health Outcomes Among Transition-Age Autistic Youth

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with poor health outcomes in the general population. However, their impact on autistic youth remains unclear.

Integrating Antiracism and Life Course Frameworks in Research with Autistic Minority Transition-Aged Youth and Young Adults

Challenges faced by minority autistic youth require integrated antiracism and developmental frameworks for support.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Community Mental Health Use Among Autistic Adolescents and Young Adults

Cohort study: Analyzing mental health in young autistic BIPOC people; factors influencing community mental health visits.

“I’m dealing with a health care system that doesn’t get it”: Barriers and facilitators to inclusive healthcare for autistic adults

Research highlights health challenges among autistic adults, urging system-level improvements.

The Economic Impacts of COVID-19 on Autistic Children and Their Families

Examined economic hardships & safety nets post-federal relief, COVID worsened autism-based disparities.

Foster Care Involvement Among Youth With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Is foster care involvement among youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) increasing and to what extent are subgroups disproportionately affected?

Low-income households of children with autism and the economic safety net

This study analyzes safety net program use among low-income children with autism, highlighting material hardships and determinants. Results show limited impact of having a child…

More Than Just a Variable: The Need to Explicitly Focus on Black Youth Within Autism Transitions Research

Limited evidence on the experiences of Black autistic transition-age youth and family; recommends equitable research for targeted interventions.

Short Report on Effectiveness of an Autistic-Delivered Peer Support Program: Preliminary Results

CAPS program by autistic peers improves autistic individuals' community functioning.

Unrealized Cross-System Opportunities to Improve Employment and Employment-Related Services Among Autistic Individuals

New Data, Persistent Barriers: Transition Plans are Common but Miss the Mark for Many Autistic Youth

New research in Journal of Adolescent Health highlights autism transition planning challenges & health inequities.

Same Transition, Different Perspectives: Comparing Dyadic Interviews with Autistic Young Adults and Parents

Autistic youth's transition to adulthood: dyadic interviews show divergent goals and values between parents and young adults.

Short report on navigating access to care for Medicaid-enrolled autistic youth and young adults: Examining accrual of intellectual disability diagnoses in adolescence

Autistic individuals on Medicaid face challenges transitioning to adulthood, often losing coverage. Expanding Medicaid could improve outcomes.

Expanding on “Screening, Diagnosis, and Intervention for Autism: Experiences of Black and Multiracial Families Seeking Care” to Support BIPOC Autistic Postsecondary Students

Study highlights the need for culturally sensitive care for BIPOC autistic individuals.

Association Between Medicaid Waivers and Medicaid Disenrollment Among Autistic Adolescents During the Transition to Adulthood

Medicaid waivers may reduce disenrollment risk for transitioning autistic adolescents.

Disparities by Race and Ethnicity in Inpatient Hospitalizations Among Autistic Adults

Racial disparities found in hospitalizations of autistic adults in the US.

Evidence from the Autism Transitions Research Project (2017-2022): Capstone review and services research recommendations

Insufficient funding for comprehensive autism transition research; identified research gaps.

Access, Empowerment, and Independence: Employment for All

Employment crucial for mental health; challenges for autistic individuals; data on VR & HCBS services.