Autism Research Consortium - PROBLEM: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) begins in childhood. Autistic individuals-representing 1 in 36 in the U.S.-are disproportionately likely to have obesity relative to both the general population and those with other developmental conditions. Obesity significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by promoting conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance that damage the heart and blood vessels. Obesity is also one of the most common health conditions among autistic adolescents and young adults and its prevalence rises at faster rates for autistic-relative to non-autistic-individuals. As a result, by the time U.S. autistic individuals reach adulthood, almost half have CVD. Given that autistic individuals experience almost three times the mortality rate-and a 16-year lower life expectancy-relative to non-autistic populations, preventing and addressing CVD in autistic children is critically needed. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our Autism RC is to advance the evidence base on effective interventions, services, supports, and systems for children and adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities across the lifespan. The goals of our Autism RC are: 1) Work with strategic partners, including people and families with lived experience, to inform research design, implementation, dissemination, and evaluation; 2) Conduct studies related to priority research topics, focusing on reducing health disparities; and 3) Share research findings, including at least two peer-reviewed publications per year, and other dissemination products for non-academic stakeholders and partners. PROPOSED ACTIVITIES AND TARGET POPULATIONS: We will pursue the following activities: 1a) Establish an interdisciplinary governance body that meets biannually to inform research, dissemination, implementation, translation, and evaluation; 1b) Ensure that research activities are aligned with the priorities and needs of autistic children and adolescents and their families; 1c) Include representation from interdisciplinary groups; 2a) Carry out single-site research studies focusing on priorities identified in the NOFO; 2b) Ensure all research studies address the needs of underserved communities and incorporate a community-based approach as appropriate; 2c) Ensure all research studies focus on translation and implementation of effective interventions, evidence-based practices, or guidelines; 3a) Develop a plan to disseminate research findings and evidence-based guidelines to multiple audiences; 3b) Publish at least two peer-reviewed publications per year, as well as other dissemination products for non-academic audiences. Our target population features all autistic patients with and without intellectual disability and/or co-occurring conditions (age 9-26) and their caregivers seen at UCLA Health within the last 5 years. KEY TERMS: Life course; Autism; Special Health Care Needs; Early Childhood; Middle Childhood; Adolescence; Young Adulthood
