Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common condition. However, many families have little opportunity to participate in research, and ASD researchers frequently have difficulties recruiting to their studies. To address this issue, we have set up the Autism Spectrum Database-UK in collaboration with more than 65 UK child health teams.ASD-UK’s aims are to:1. Collect basic data about children with ASD and their families that will allow some questions about ASD to be addressed2. Help researchers recruit families to studies about ASD that may lead to advances in the care and treatment of children3. Allow families to take part in UK research that aims to answer important questions about ASDThe database now includes more than 2600 families of children with ASD, who can be contacted about UK ASD research. Parents and clinical researchers are involved in steering and research committees providing sound guidance and governance. Following the success of ASD-UK, we have been asked to apply for a further 3 years’ funding. Our specific aims for the 36 month funding period are: Expand recruitment to all UK paediatric and child mental health teams who would like to participate, and to the voluntary sector Recruit at least 1000 families annually, so that by 2017, ASD-UK includes least 5000 families Continue to involve parents in all stages of development and oversight of ASD-UK Ensure ASD-UK is widely used by researchers for recruitment to high quality projects Work with UK and international researchers to publish findings from ASD-UK data Integrate the research cohorts of adults with ASD and relatives into ASD-UK In year 3, with Autistica’s support or in partnership, apply for continued ASD-UK support from other UK research funders Investigate whether other countries would like to adopt the ASD-UK model
Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC)
Autism Research Database (AFD)
