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World’s first ever study looking at the number of adults in the community who have an autism spectrum disorder
The University of Leicester is leading on a national study to calculate the number of adults with autism, it has been announced today.
Autism is a brain development disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and causes restricted and repetitive behavior, all starting before a child is three years old. This set of signs distinguishes autism from milder autism spectrum disorders (ASD) such as Asperger syndrome.
Professor Terry Brugha, Professor of Psychiatry in the Department of Health Sciences is spearheading the study in conjunction with a team of research experts including the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), Research Autism and Professor Simon Baron-Cohen of the Autism Research Centre. It will report in 2009.
Care services Minister Ivan Lewis announced an additional investment of £500,000 for Government research into the numbers of adults with autism and their specific transitions needs. This prevalence study will inform the first ever Government strategy on adults with autism and Asperger's syndrome.
The number of children with autism is as high as 1 in 100 (according to studies by Prof Howard Meltzer of the University of Leicester and Prof. Baird's 2006 study). The new prevalence study now underway will give the first ever accurate picture of how many adults have the condition. Part of the new research will focus on the period of transition to adult life and will inform service planning for adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). This will be led by Prof. Baird and it will examine the lessons and challenges in the transition process and focus on areas such as mental health, social care, housing and further education needs.
Professor Brugha is Director of Research, Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester and Honorary Consultant Adult General Psychiatrist, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust. He operates an NHS assessment clinic for adults who may have Autism Spectrum Disorder and liaise with adult mental health services throughout Leicester and Leicestershire, also providing training to professional staff and teams.
His area of research is psychiatric epidemiology in adulthood. He is also currently developing and testing methods for the prevention of depression.
Professor Brugha said: “This will be the world’s first ever study looking at the number of adults in the community who have an autism spectrum disorder.
“There is growing recognition that this is a group of people with unrecognised ‘invisible’ needs but who also often have strengths to offer to society that go largely untapped.
“The cost of autism in Great Britain in children and adults has been estimated to run into many billions of pounds some of which may be due to unnecessary economic inactivity and also dependency on services that do not know how to recognise and support their needs appropriately.
“The survey involves interviews and examinations of a random sample of people who may have the condition and where possible the collection of information from family and carers. Statistical methods are then used to summarise the data and estimate how many people have the condition and what are their circumstances. The results will appear in published reports for the government, public health and local health and social care services and articles in scientific journals. The Government has stated that the information will be used to develop a national plan to support these people.”
Ivan Lewis said: "Adults with autism and Asperger's syndrome are too often abandoned by services with their families left to struggle alone. Equally, people are frequently misappropriately referred to either mental health or learning disability services
"This study will inform the development of a national strategy designed to ensure that adults with autism and Asperger's syndrome are supported to have full lives."
"We still don't know enough about autism, but we do know that left unsupported, it can have a devastating impact on those who have the condition and their families. One of the key gaps in our knowledge is simple - we don't know how many people have the condition in any given area. That is why I am ordering a study to address this. "
The prevalence study will make use of new data collected in 2007 by NatCen and Professor Brugha’s team to record the number of adults with Asperger's syndrome and high functioning autism. There will also be an additional part to the study on the number of people with autism who have more complex needs and learning disabilities. The aim of the combined research will provide good epidemiological information in terms of prevalence and the characteristics and problems of this group.
This work, including research into transitions, is being commissioned and funded jointly with the Department for Children, Schools and Families. An autism expert will be appointed within the Department of Health to take both studies forward.
Mark Lever, chief executive of The National Autistic Society said:
"We warmly welcome today's announcement from the Department of Health. Through our I Exist report, adults with autism told us they feel isolated and ignored, we are therefore delighted that the government has listened and is taking action . The Government has committed to establishing an autism specialist post and to undertake research into the number of adults with autism. We hope this will mark a turning point in the way that the needs of people with autism are recognised and met."
Latest News
Police issue advice after Asian gold jewellery and watches stolen during burglaries | ||
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 | Police issue advice after Asian gold jewellery and watches stolen during burglariesLeicestershire Constabulary has issued advice after a number of burglaries where jewellery has been stolen. Incidents have occurred across the county where homes have been broken into and thousands of pounds worth of jewellery and items of sentimental value have been taken.... 10 Feb 2012 Police issue advice after Asian gold jewellery and watches stolen during burglaries | |
Police name driver of van following fatal collision in Groby | ||
| Police name driver of van following fatal collision in GrobyPolice have named the driver of the van who died following a collision on the A50 in Groby. The collision occurred at about 9.... 10 Feb 2012 Police name driver of van following fatal collision in Groby | |
Man sentenced to six years after two robberies at Nationwide and Yorkshire Bank | ||
 | Environment & Transport10 February 2012Learn to make a meal out of leftoversA series of free cookery classes are being held to teach people how to cook up a treat using leftovers. As well as cooking up to three recipes, Leicestershire residents who attend can pick up tasty recipe cards and take home a free goody bag containing giveaways including a spaghetti measure and a meal planner.... 10 Feb 2012 Learn to make a meal out of leftovers | |
Robbery on Victoria Park | ||
| Robbery on Victoria ParkPolice are appealing for witnesses to a robbery on Victoria Park. The incident happened Sunday, January 22 at around 7pm when the 19-year-old victim was walking across the park towards the memorial from London Road.... 09 Feb 2012 Robbery on Victoria Park | |
Related News
SCREENING FOR DIABETES POTENTIALLY COST-EFFECTIVE FOR UK | |
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 | A new University of Leicester study reveals that screening people who are at risk of developing diabetes could be a cost-effective health policy and improve the lives of patients.... 14 May 2008 SCREENING FOR DIABETES POTENTIALLY COST-EFFECTIVE FOR UK |
Stroke pilot study results to be announced at University of Leicester | |
 | Preliminary results from a major multi-centre UK pilot trial into Stroke are to be announced at the University of Leicester on 22 April.... 15 Apr 2008 Stroke pilot study results to be announced at University of Leicester |
New study identifies occupations with highest suicide mortality | |
 | Suicide mortality in England and Wales is highest in skilled trades and elementary occupations, which include agricultural workers, construction workers, and plant and machine operators, a new study has found.... 27 Jun 2008 New study identifies occupations with highest suicide mortality |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER GRADUATE APPOINTED TO READERSHIP IN DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS | |
 | The University of Leicester has appointed Dr Raffael Schaffrath as a Reader in the Department of Genetics. A graduate of the University of Leicester, he has previously worked at Harvard Medical School.... 11 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER GRADUATE APPOINTED TO READERSHIP IN DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS |
VITAL CELL STUDY ACCOLADE FOR UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER RESEARCHER | |
 | A University of Leicester student has achieved an extraordinary milestone in her career by being selected for a prestigious national prize.... 08 Apr 2008 VITAL CELL STUDY ACCOLADE FOR UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER RESEARCHER |
Relevant News
LEADING ACADEMIC TO HEAD SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY AT UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER | |
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 | A leading academic, who has previously worked with the US multinational ITT as a specialist in human-computer interaction, is to join the University of Leicester as the new Head of the School of Psychology.... 08 Apr 2008 LEADING ACADEMIC TO HEAD SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY AT UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER |
VITAL CELL STUDY ACCOLADE FOR UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER RESEARCHER | |
| A University of Leicester student has achieved an extraordinary milestone in her career by being selected for a prestigious national prize.... 08 Apr 2008 VITAL CELL STUDY ACCOLADE FOR UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER RESEARCHER |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER GRADUATE APPOINTED TO READERSHIP IN DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS | |
| The University of Leicester has appointed Dr Raffael Schaffrath as a Reader in the Department of Genetics. A graduate of the University of Leicester, he has previously worked at Harvard Medical School.... 11 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER GRADUATE APPOINTED TO READERSHIP IN DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS |
Stroke pilot study results to be announced at University of Leicester | |
| Preliminary results from a major multi-centre UK pilot trial into Stroke are to be announced at the University of Leicester on 22 April.... 15 Apr 2008 Stroke pilot study results to be announced at University of Leicester |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME | |
 | A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
Most Read News (today)
Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis | |
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 | Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis Anjam Nazir, Mohinder Singh, Baljinder Singh Three men from Leicester have pleaded guilty to their part in one of the country s biggest Cannabis smuggling operations. Leicestershire Constabulary is now able to provide details about the 36m drugs investigation following the conclusion of the trial at Winchester Crown Court today (Tuesday June 2).... 02 Jun 2009 Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis |
Second collision on M1 northbound | |
 | Leicestershire Constabulary are investigating a second fatal collision on the M1 northbound. The first collision happened at around 8.... 12 Nov 2008 Second collision on M1 northbound |
Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley | |
| Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a building site in Hinckley. The incident happened at a building site at a premises on Baines Lane between 4.... 10 Mar 2009 Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley |
Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspicious | |
| Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspiciousOfficers investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Shepshed have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious. The body was discovered in Butthole Lane at about 1pm on Wednesday January 5.... 06 Jan 2011 Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspicious |
Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in Loughborough | |
| Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in LoughboroughPaulius TroninasA 19-year-old man has today (Friday January 7, 2011) been found guilty of the assault and rape of a woman in Loughborough. Paulius Troninas, 19, of Paget Street, Loughborough was found guilty of rape and section 18 grievous bodily harm following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court.... 07 Jan 2011 Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in Loughborough |
Most Read News (this month)
Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis | |
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| Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis Anjam Nazir, Mohinder Singh, Baljinder Singh Three men from Leicester have pleaded guilty to their part in one of the country s biggest Cannabis smuggling operations. Leicestershire Constabulary is now able to provide details about the 36m drugs investigation following the conclusion of the trial at Winchester Crown Court today (Tuesday June 2).... 02 Jun 2009 Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis |
Second collision on M1 northbound | |
| Leicestershire Constabulary are investigating a second fatal collision on the M1 northbound. The first collision happened at around 8.... 12 Nov 2008 Second collision on M1 northbound |
Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley | |
| Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a building site in Hinckley. The incident happened at a building site at a premises on Baines Lane between 4.... 10 Mar 2009 Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley |
Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspicious | |
| Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspiciousOfficers investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Shepshed have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious. The body was discovered in Butthole Lane at about 1pm on Wednesday January 5.... 06 Jan 2011 Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspicious |
Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in Loughborough | |
| Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in LoughboroughPaulius TroninasA 19-year-old man has today (Friday January 7, 2011) been found guilty of the assault and rape of a woman in Loughborough. Paulius Troninas, 19, of Paget Street, Loughborough was found guilty of rape and section 18 grievous bodily harm following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court.... 07 Jan 2011 Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in Loughborough |
Most Read News (alltime)
Fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road | |
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| Fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road Officers from the force s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses after a fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road. The collision occurred at around 7.... 08 Jun 2009 Fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road |
Forensic Psychology | |
 | Volunteers are being sought to take part in a new study at the University of Leicester which will have important implications for forensic research. Participants are required to spend just 30 minutes undertaking memory tasks and questionnaires which will help to shed new light on the relationship between personality, the experience of life adversity, and eye-witness memory.... 23 May 2008 Forensic Psychology |
Five Leicester men sentenced after illegal immigration scam | |
| Five Leicester men sentenced after illegal immigration scamTop L to R - Sandip Rana, Satish Ravat, Vishal Shah bottom L to R Bhavesh Patel and Jaswinder ChahalFive Leicester men have today (Thursday November 25) been sentenced for their part in an illegal immigration scam. Bhavesh Patel (27) of Columbine Road, Hamilton, Satish Ravat (28) of Arbour Road, Leicester, Sandip Singh Rana (29) of Moores Road, Leicester, Jaswinder Chahal (42) of Swithland Avenue, Leicester and Vishal Jitendra Shah (25) of Braemar Close, Leicester pleaded guilty at Leicester Crown Court at an earlier hearing to assisting unlawful immigration to a member state contrary to section 25 of the Immigration Act 1971.... 25 Nov 2010 Five Leicester men sentenced after illegal immigration scam |
Multi agency forum test explosion exercise at Leicester Racecourse | |
| Multi agency forum test explosion exercise at Leicester RacecourseMembers from Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Local Resilience Forum (LRF) have today (Wednesday October 27, 2010) been involved in a pre-planned exercise to test how emergency services would cope with a major incident. At 10.... 27 Oct 2010 Multi agency forum test explosion exercise at Leicester Racecourse |
Missing girl returns home safe and well | |
| Missing girl returns home safe and well Officers investigating the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl have confirmed she has returned safe and well. Sarah Dunn was reported missing from home on Monday May 25.... 08 Jun 2009 Missing girl returns home safe and well |