| Title: |
Methodological Challenges and Opportunities When Studying the Course of Autism |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Vanessa Hus Bal (ORCID 0000-0003-0750-823X); Peter Szatmari; Stelios Georgiades; Stephen J. Gentles (ORCID 0000-0003-2004-1451); Jessica Girault; Patricia Howlin; Meng-Chuan Lai (ORCID 0000-0002-9593-5508); Virginia Carter Leno (ORCID 0000-0002-7455-5514); Catherine Lord (ORCID 0000-0001-5633-1253); Katie Madgett; Stephen J. Sheinkopf (ORCID 0000-0003-3836-4339); Emily Simonoff (ORCID 0000-0002-5450-0823); Zachary J. Williams (ORCID 0000-0001-7646-423X); Lonnie Zwaigenbaum; Alycia Halladay (ORCID 0000-0002-8264-8753) |
| Source: |
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2025 29(10):2618-2631. |
| Availability: |
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
14 |
| Publication Date: |
2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: |
National Institutes of Health (NIH) (DHHS) |
| Contract Number: |
R01AA029008; R01MH121345 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: |
Autism Spectrum Disorders; Etiology; Longitudinal Studies; Individual Needs; Research Design; Research Methodology; Sampling; Outcome Measures; Young Children; Young Adults; Measurement; Financial Support |
| DOI: |
10.1177/13623613251341012 |
| ISSN: |
1362-3613; 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: |
Longitudinal research in autism has contributed a wealth of knowledge about etiological factors, development from childhood through adulthood, life course changes and needs, as well as longer-term adult outcomes for individuals on the spectrum and their family members. This research is essential to better understand the needs of individuals as they age. However, along with the as yet unrealized opportunities to understand an individual in more nuanced ways across time, there are challenges to utilizing this research design that should be considered. These include sample and measurement diversity, retention, outcome measures, analysis, and funding considerations. This article outlines some of the most pressing challenges together with potential solutions to maximize the value of longitudinal research designs that can help address questions that are of high priority to the autism community. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2025 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1482857 |
| Database: |
ERIC |