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 language | English (US) |
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Article number | 102520 |
Journal | Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders |
Volume | 119 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2025 |
Keywords
- Alcohol
- Autism
- Substance use
- Youth
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Developmental and Educational Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health