Participatory Research for Suicide Prevention in Autism

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PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This is a K23 award application for Dr. Anne Kirby, a licensed occupational therapist with expertise in autism, to independently conduct translational research studies to reduce suicide and advance quality of life for autistic people. The K23 will provide her the support necessary to acquire critical skills in four key career development areas: 1) community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches with autistic community partners; 2) qualitative and mixed methods research approaches; 3) efficacy and implementation clinical trials of community interventions focused on suicide prevention; and 4) research leadership and management skills. To achieve her goals, Dr. Kirby has assembled an interdisciplinary mentoring team comprised of Dr. Hillary Coon (Primary Mentor), a senior scientist and recognized leader in autism research, and three Co-Mentors: Dr. Christina Nicolaidis, an accomplished CBPR researcher with autistic adults, Dr. Susan Zickmund, an expert in qualitative and mixed methods research, and Dr. Craig Bryan, a leading suicide prevention clinical trialist. Complementing these experts, Dr. Kirby also has a 4 member advisory committee to support her proposed CBPR work with autistic stakeholders and development of a suicide prevention community-based intervention. Current evidence demonstrates that autistic individuals are at elevated risk for suicidal thoughts, suicidal behaviors, and, ultimately, suicide deaths. Suicide prevention is a high priority of autistic adults, and research is needed to better understand risk factors and prevent suicide. However, few autism researchers are trained in working effectively with the autistic community. Dr. Kirby's objective is to address the gaps in current knowledge about suicide and autism, and the lack of available evidence-based suicide prevention strategies. Her research will result in preliminary data to support a clinical trial to test a novel community-based suicide prevention intervention for autism communities. She proposes the following Specific Aims: Aim 1] Qualitatively explore suicide risk and protective factors for autistic people as well as preferred aspects of evidence-based suicide prevention interventions; Aim 2] Develop a community-based intervention built upon the PC CARES (Promoting Community Conversations About Research to End Suicide) model framework to educate and empower autism community stakeholders about autistic mental health and suicide prevention; and Aim 3] Pilot test and refine the intervention content, delivery, and efficacy and implementation measures in preparation for a Hybrid Type 1(efficacy + implementation) clinical trial. A critical component of this proposal will be the use of CBPR methods throughout the proposed aims to ensure community relevance and acceptability. The proposed research is significant because it expands our understanding of suicide risk in autistic people. The proposed research is innovative because it takes a CBPR approach and will result in the first community- based suicide prevention approach developed by and for the autistic community.