The Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) Research Agenda

Abstract

OBJECTIVES In the United States, autistic individuals experience disproportionate physical and mental health challenges relative to non-autistic individuals, including higher rates of co-occurring and chronic conditions and lower physical, social, and psychological health-related quality of life. The Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) is an interdisciplinary, multicenter research network for scientific collaboration and infrastructure that aims to increase the life expectancy and quality of life for autistic individuals, with a focus on underserved or vulnerable populations. The current paper describes the development of the AIR-P Research Agenda. METHODS Development of the research agenda involved an iterative and collaborative process between the AIR-P Advisory Board, Steering Committee, and Autistic Researcher Review Board. The methodology consisted of 3 phases: (1) ideation and design, (2) literature review and synthesis; and (3) network engagement. RESULTS Six core research priorities related to the health of autistic individuals were identified: (1) primary care services and quality, (2) community-based lifestyle interventions, (3) health systems and services, (4) gender, sexuality, and reproductive health, (5) neurology, and (6) genetics. Specific topics within each of these priorities were identified. Four cross-cutting research priorities were also identified: (1) neurodiversity-oriented care, (2) facilitating developmental transitions, (3) methodologically rigorous intervention studies, and (4) addressing health disparities. CONCLUSIONS The AIR-P Research Agenda represents an important step forward for enacting large-scale health-promotion efforts for autistic individuals across the lifespan. This agenda will catalyze autism research in historically underrepresented topic areas while adopting a neurodiversity-oriented approach to health-promotion.

Avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder and autism: epidemiology, etiology, complications, treatment, and outcome

“…Autistic people still experience disproportionate health disparities and poor access to services [46]. They have identified primary care services and community-based lifestyle interventions as their research priorities [46].…”

“…Autistic people still experience disproportionate health disparities and poor access to services [46]. They have identified primary care services and community-based lifestyle interventions as their research priorities [46]. They also have expressed a preference for neurodiversity-oriented care, particularly support during various developmental transitions and life changes [46].…”

“…They have identified primary care services and community-based lifestyle interventions as their research priorities [46]. They also have expressed a preference for neurodiversity-oriented care, particularly support during various developmental transitions and life changes [46]. Eating disorder services are still learning about optimal support for autistic individuals, and autism services may not have the expertise for addressing severe eating disorders [43].…”

Updates to the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) Research Agenda

“…The current study used a cross-sectional, web-based Qualtrics survey administered to the AIR-P with the purpose of updating the initial Research Agenda, proposed in Year 1 and published in Kuo et al (2022) [ 10 ]. All AIR-P members were invited to participate in the survey.…”

Considerations for Expanding Research and Clinical Care for the Neurodivergent Gender Diverse Population

“…The current co-occurrence rates of gender diversity and neurodiversity highlight the need for additional research to better understand this relationship and to inform clinical practice. The Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) is increasing initiatives to raise awareness, disseminate current information and educational resources, encourage additional research, and foster productive conversations surrounding the intersection of neurodiversity and gender diversity and the need for gender-affirming physical and mental health care from a neurodiversity lens [ 17 ]. Increasing collaborations amongst gender-diverse neurodivergent individuals, researchers, and clinicians are needed in order to further research and clinical practice to most directly and effectively improve physical and mental health care for the gender-diverse neurodivergent patient population.…”