Health trajectories and healthcare utilization in Autism
The number of people diagnosed with autism in childhood or adulthood has strongly increased over the past decades. Autism spectrum disorder is associated with an increased risk of poor health outcomes and high healthcare utilization, but knowledge about the factors that influence health trajectories over time remains limited.
Background
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that emerges early in life and affects functioning across multiple domains throughout the lifespan. Research has shown that individuals with ASD are at increased risk of adverse outcomes related to education, employment, physical and mental health, healthcare utilization, suicidal behaviour, and premature mortality.
Although ASD is typically diagnosed in childhood, many individuals receive their diagnosis only in adulthood, often after years of functional difficulties. Over the past decades, the number of people diagnosed with ASD has increased substantially in many countries, both among children and adults. This trend has important implications not only for affected individuals and their families, but also for healthcare systems and society as a whole. To address these challenges, there is a need for a better understanding of health trajectories, healthcare needs, and the factors that influence long-term outcomes among individuals with ASD.
Aim
The aim of this project is to improve our understanding of the factors that contribute to adverse health outcomes and increased healthcare utilization among individuals with ASD. The project investigates developmental pathways leading to high healthcare consumption as well as serious health outcomes, including suicidal behaviour and premature mortality.
By examining the role of individual factors, such as comorbidity and age at diagnosis, together with different pharmacological treatments, we seek to identify risk and protective factors that influence health outcomes and prognosis over time. The ultimate goal is to generate knowledge that can support more accurate prognostic assessments, targeted preventive interventions, and more individualized care for people with ASD.
Project members
Principal investigator: Professor Ellenor Mittendorfer-Rutz
Duration: 2025-2029
Funder: The Swedish Research Council