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Estimating the prevalence of autism spectrum conditions in adults

Adults with a more severe learning disability also have a greater likelihood of having autism according to a report published on 31st January…

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Adults with a more severe learning disability also have a greater likelihood of having autism according to a report published on 31st January 2012 by the NHS Information Centre.

The report combines data from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) 2007 with findings from a new study based on a sample of people with learning disabilities living in private households and communal care establishments.

The report aims to

  • Estimate the prevalence of autism in England,  furthering previous research that suggests people with learning disabilities are more likely to have autism
  • Address the fact that the APMS did not include people with severe learning disabilities.
Published 7 February 2012