The NHS Information Centre has awarded the contract to deliver a further study into the Prevalence of Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASCs) in Adults across England, to a consortium led by the University of Leicester (UoL).

The consortium also includes the University of Glasgow, Kings College London (KCL) and the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen). The purpose of the study is to build on previous prevalence data and provide clearer information on the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed autism in:

• adults living outside private households in England, and
• adults within the learning disability community living in private households in England, but who may not have taken part in previous studies [Adult psychiatric morbidity in England, 2007 Results of a household survey] and [Autism Spectrum Disorders in adults living in households throughout England Report from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007] due to verbal impairment.

The study will cover a representative sample of the adult population including those with learning disabilities and learning impairments who are included on learning disability registers and/or resident in communal establishments.

Interviews will be carried out over a six month period starting in July 2010, with results due in 2011. Autistic Spectrum Conditions are developmental disorders characterised by impaired social interaction and communications, severely restricted interests and repetitive behaviours.

Following an EU procurement exercise that began in August 2009, the decision to award the contract was made by a project board chaired by the NHS Information Centre with representation from the Department of Health (DH).