About this study

One specific objective of Adult Psychiatric Morbidity in England 2007 was to estimate the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among adults living in private households. This study presents this data.

ASDs are developmental disorders characterised by impaired social interaction and communication, severely restricted interests and highly repetitive behaviours.

Using diagnostic criteria, we found a prevalence of 1% - you can read more of the findings here, or download the full report. There is more information on the NHS Information Centre.

Potential policy impact

This study was the first, anywhere in the world, to measure the prevalence of ASD among adults living in the general population. Previous research has focused on children or on adults in receipt of services.

A further purpose of the study was to identify the nature and extent of social disadvantage associated with ASD. Adults with the condition were found to be more likely to live in social housing and achieve few or no educational qualifications.

Method

In the phase one interview, we screened for ASD using a 20-item version of the Autism Quotient (AQ-20).

In the phase-two interview, clinically trained interviewers carried out assessments using the Adult Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) with a subset of respondents who had medium to high AQ-20 scores.

The results were weighted to generate a prevalence rate for the population as a whole. 19 cases were identified in the phase two sample, limiting the scope of any subgroup analysis.