Screening adults for possible autism spectrum disorders

Principal Investigator: Professor Terry Brugha

Other Key Staff: Kobus VanRensburg, John Bankart, Freya Tyrer, Jane Smith, Sally McManus, Patricia Howlin, Fiona Scott, Tammy Holmes, Rachel Lovesy

Partners Involved: Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, University of Leicester

Summary:
The first attempt to assess the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) among adults in the general population suffered from a screening tool which corresponded poorly with a diagnosis by clinical assessment. There are no other self-report ASD screening tools validated (for use in the UK). This is urgently needed, not just for research purposes, but because adults with ASD are one of the most under diagnosed groups in mental health services and the wider population.

We plan to screen approximately 2000 adult users of mental health services throughout Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland (LNR) using currently available self-completion screening tools for detecting ASD and to assess samples of positive and negative scorers using the adult Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS Module-4)

These objectives will be achieved with the help of service users and their carers, experienced ASD clinicians and, during a two phase survey of consenting users of adult mental health services, throughout the LNR.

Aims:

• To assess the validity of the self-assessment tool, the Ritvo Autism and Asperger’s Diagnostic Scale (RAADS), as a method for screening adults for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who are not self referred. 
• To test other self-completion questionnaires including the AQ-50

Further Information:
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Start Date: Autumn 2010                                  Expected End Date: September 2012

Project Outcomes:
Results from this study will help determine the least costly and most efficient method for screening non referred patients for diagnostic evaluation for ASD. Outputs will include new evidence on the sensitivity, specificity and related parameters of the RAADS and AQ-50 as determined in a population at increased risk, adults using mental health services.