Work

Substance Use Disorder Outcomes and Treatment by Autism Status in Medicaid Enrollees With Substance Use Disorder

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The prevalence of substance use disorders (SUD) among autistic people is substantial and growing. This unaddressed public health challenge is particularly important given the lack of knowledge about SUD service needs among people on the spectrum. This paper presents the first national-level study of SUD-related clinical outcomes and service use among US-based autistic Medicaid enrollees with SUD (N = 50,487) compared to matched neurotypical enrollees with SUD (N = 151,461). The analyses reveal that overdose, hospitalizations, and some polysubstance use risks are elevated among autistic people with SUD compared to neurotypical SUD patients. Analyses also suggest that autistic people with SUD use fewer SUD services compared to their neurotypical counterparts. Results highlight the need for integrative, evidence-based autism-tailored SUD service solutions.

Source: Autism Research

DOI: 10.1002/aur.70291

Authors: Victor Lushin, Lindsay Shea, Jonas Ventimiglia, Ming Xie, Steven Marcus

Institutions: National Institutes of Health, Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania

Language: English

Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institutes of Health