autistic spectrum disorders

Transition to adulthood for young people with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) (IRISS Insights, no.5)

One of a series of reports providing the social services workforce with brief, accessible and practice-oriented summaries of published evidence on key topics.

Developed through a process of rapid appraisal, Insights seek to highlight the practice implications of research evidence and answer the 'So what does this mean in practice?' question for each topic reviewed.

This Insight focuses on the transition to adulthood for young people with autistic spectrum disorder.

UK Autism Foundation

The UK Autism Foundation (UKAF) is a charitable organisation which began in 2008. It has launched a £10 million fundraising program to realise its aims to build the first ever state of the art Autism Centre in London, build an autism school and to launch initiatives to help families dealing with autism who are poor. The UKAF developed from the work of the Autism Awareness Campaign UK founded in 2000 by parents and carers. The site provides access to the newsletter, and brief information about autism.

Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is a registered charity in the UK and was launched by the autism campaigner and philanthropist, Dame Stephanie Shirley in 2004. It is the only charity which raises money for biomedical research into the causes of autism spectrum disorders. The website provides information about autism, including its causes and impact. Information is also provided on the research carried out by the charity, including collaborative research, UK research projects, grants and fellowships, and also details of news, resources and events.

Services for adults with autistic spectrum conditions (ASC): good practice advice for primary care trust and local authority commissioners

This publication builds on current guidance, and highlights existing information and good practice for commissioners in primary care trusts and local authorities who have responsibility for commissioning services for adults with autistic spectrum disorders. It aim is to ensure that commissioners enable, empower and promote independence and meaningful choices for adults with autistic spectrum.

Child psychiatric diagnoses

Christopher Gillberg is Professor of Child Psychiatry at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and Visiting Professor in the Division of Community Based Sciences, University of Glasgow. One of the world's leading academic child psychiatrists, he has published hundreds of papers on autism, ADHD and related conditions.

Web Resource on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) For General Practitioners and Primary Care Practitioners

This resource is designed for any professional who is working in the health care system at the primary care level (eg General Practitioner; Allied Health Professionals (eg dieticians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, podiatrists and speech and language therapists), Dentists, Opticians, Public Health Nurses; District Nurses; Practice Nurses; and Dental nurses). This site provides access to key topics, case studies, scenarios, a glossary and a range of leaflets on ASD.

Transition to adulthood: inquiry into transition to adulthood for young people with autism

This inquiry sought evidence from a range of stakeholders across England, including parents, people with autism and professionals into transition to adulthood for young people with autism. The report outlines the key findings of the Inquiry and makes recommendations based on the experiences and evidence from all those who took part.

The autism toolbox: an autism resource for Scottish schools

The Autism Toolbox for Scottish Schools is designed to support education authorities in the delivery of services and planning for children and young people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in Scotland, and will sit alongside existing local authority resources. It complements the guidance issued on Health and Social Care Services for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The intention is to provide a resource to support the inclusion of children and young people with autism spectrum disorder in mainstream education services.