About

Our Purpose

The Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health establishes and maintains an interdisciplinary, multicenter research network for scientific collaboration and infrastructure to increase the life expectancy and quality of life for autistic individuals, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations. The purpose of the AIR-P is to support innovative life course intervention research that promotes optimal health and well-being of autistic individuals across the lifespan.

Guiding Principles

A Neurodiverse-Orientation to Health

The AIR-P aligns with the neurodiversity movement and views autism as an identity akin to gender and race, not a condition that requires a cure.

Stakeholder Driven

All research supported within the Network is vetted and co-developed by the Autistic Researcher Review Board, caregivers and family members of autistic individuals, and other stakeholders.

Inclusivity

The Network creates an infrastructure for anyone, including early-career investigators and multi-disciplinary researchers, to conduct research related to physical health of autistic individuals.

Health Promotion

Our Network stands in direct contrast with the medical model and seeks to promote health and well-being among autistic individuals and their families.

Equity

The Network seeks to address disparities in the access, quality, and utilization of health-promoting services and supports for underserved populations.

High Quality Research Across the Lifespan

The AIR-P seeks to advance the evidence base of high quality research for autistic individuals and their families across the lifespan.

The following values are central to all of our activities:

• Respect, integration, and equitable access to supports and services that promote optimal health and well-being for autistic individuals
• Self-determination, independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion in all facets of the Network
• Individualized and culturally appropriate health care
• Diversity within the Network, programs, and society
• Stewardship of public resources and measurable accountability
• A commitment to helping individuals by strengthening communities and systems

This project is supported by the health resources and services administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of health and human services (HHS) under the autism intervention research network on physical health (AIR‐P) grant, UT2MC39440. The information, content and/or conclusions are those of the authors and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.