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

Abstract

Introduction: Autistic individuals, now representing one in 36 individuals in the U.S., experience disproportionate physical health challenges relative to non-autistic individuals. The Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health (AIR-P) is an interdisciplinary, multi-center Research Network that aims to increase the health, well-being, and quality of life of autistic individuals. The current paper builds on the initial AIR-P Research Agenda (proposed in Year 1) and provides an updated vision for the Network. Methods: Updates to the Research Agenda were made via the administration of a Qualtrics survey, and disseminated widely to all AIR-P entities, including the Research Node Leaders, Steering Committee, Autistic Researcher Review Board, and collaborating academic and non-academic entities. Network members were tasked with evaluating the Year 1 Research Agenda and proposing additional priorities. Results: Within each Research Node, all Year 1 priorities were endorsed as continued priorities for research on autism and physical health. Specific topics, including co-occurring conditions and self-determination, advocacy, and decision-making, were particularly endorsed. Opportunities for exploratory studies and intervention research were identified across Research Nodes. Qualitative responses providing feedback on additional research priorities were collected. Conclusion: The updated AIR-P Research Agenda represents an important step toward enacting large-scale health promotion efforts for autistic individuals across the lifespan. This updated agenda builds on efforts to catalyze autism research in historically underrepresented topic areas while adopting a neurodiversity-oriented approach to health promotion.

Enhancing multi‐site autism research through the development of a collaborative data platform

“…During this phase, any researcher based in the United States can provide descriptive information for their study design and a letter of intent outlining the connection to autism health research. All proposals undergo review by the AIR-P Database Committee, a group consisting of autistic and non-autistic researchers, to ensure the research can be feasibly implemented through the ICR, is of high quality, and that the topic falls within scope (Hotez et al, 2023). At minimum, two reviewers (including one or more autistic reviewers) are assigned to proposals based off their expertise, and material is vetted based on criteria developed by the Database Committee.…”