Correlates of age at first alcohol use among a US-based sample of autistic underage youth

Calliope Holingue, Laura Graham Holmes, Julia Cusano, Emily F. Rothman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Recent research has identified risk factors for hazardous alcohol use among autistic individuals, but correlates of age at first alcohol use are unclear. Methods: This study analyzed 49 U.S.-based autistic youth (ages 16–20) who had ever consumed alcohol. Participants were categorized as being less than 16 years old (n=28) or 16 years or older (n=21) at first alcohol use. The analysis aimed to descriptively compare youth with younger versus older age at first alcohol use. Results: Younger age at first alcohol use was associated with hazardous alcohol use, higher levels of anxiety, and lower masking of autistic traits Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that autistic youth are at risk for underage alcohol use. More research is needed on alcohol and substance use in this population to develop tailored prevention and intervention programs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number102520
JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Volume119
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2025

Keywords

  • Alcohol
  • Autism
  • Substance use
  • Youth

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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