University of Leicester to lead audit of adults with autism

The University of Leicester is leading on a national study to calculate the number of adults with autism, it has been announced today.

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 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.