Research Autism: Research Projects Underway

This section of our website contains information about some of our current research projects.

All research undertaken by Research Autism has been identified as likely to have a positive impact on the quality of life of people with autism and their families.

Identifying early risk markers of self-injurious behaviour

Adolescent with autism Description: Self Injurious behaviour is one of the most distressing and hazardous difficulties experienced by a significant number of children and adults with autism and was identified by Research Autism as a priority area. Working with the University of Birmingham and the National Autistic Society through this project is designed to explore all aspects of Self Injurious behaviour from causes to interventions.

Impact: This project will provide important information about the amount, forms and causes of self-injury in people with autism. It will also provide important information about how to provide strategies for early intervention that will prevent and reduce self-injury.

More information: Identifying early risk markers of self-injurious behaviour

Prisons

Adolescent with autism Description: This project is designed to establish the prevalence of autism in prison populations.

Impact: This project was conducted with the University of Edinburgh and attempts to estimate the numbers of individuals on the autism spectrum in prison in Scotland with a view to a wider examination across the UK. . An essential part of the project is to validate a screen that was designed by Research Autism (Howlin,Cullen, Mills, Brugha, Corocombe, Wing) that is based on the ASDI (Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Diagnostic interview (Gillberg and Ratram 2001).

More information: We are currently awaiting a report from the University of Edinburgh.

QUEST: Ascertaining prevalence, severity, impact and pervasiveness of emotional and behaviour problems in children with autism

Adolescent with autism Description: This project conducted with Guys Hospital was a response to a neeed for the rapid and reliable detection of potential problems in children with autism and the need for a reliable and valid clinical screen. that would identify the prevalence, severity, impact and pervasiveness of emotional and behaviour problems. It will also test two different screening tools to see which is better at picking up those problems in community settings.

Impact: This project will provide valuable information to health clinicians on the amount and form of emotional and behaviour problems in children with autism. It will also determine which is the best, low cost, quick screening tool that can be used to identify young children with autism at risk of such problems. This will enable clinicians and others to provide targeted help to those children.

More information: QUEST: Ascertaining prevalence, severity, impact and pervasiveness of emotional and behaviour problems in children with autism

Re-Mapping Autism Research in the UK: Identifying Priorities for the Decade Ahead

Child with autism and teacher looking at globe Description:This project is designed to identify the current level or research activity worldwide that will provide a context and help to shape priorities for research over the next decade
Working with the Institute of Education UK we will revisit the data-sets generated by the original research, conducted ten years ago. We will also be involving the autism community in this project to inform our views on priorities.

Impact: This project is designed to

Contribute to scientific understanding and knowledge of the status of international research
Assist in setting priorities and helping to ensure that research funding is targeted on areas where it is most needed

More information: Re-Mapping Autism Research in the UK: Identifying Priorities for the Decade Ahead

The survey at http://www.mrcresearch.co.uk/surveys/nas3rd.htm will close on 9 April 2012

Snuggledown: Sensory weighted blankets in children with autism

Adolescent with autism Description: This project is in conjunction with Guys Hospital London and is related to a priority identified by Research Autism concerning sleep problems in autism. This aspect of the work on sleep concerns a clinical trial of the effectiveness of weighted blankets in children with autism who suffer from poor sleep.

Impact: This project will provide evidence of the effects of weighted blankets in children with autism who suffer from poor sleep.