title: Epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders in adults in the community in England.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To our knowledge, there is no published information on the epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in adults. If the prevalence of autism is increasing, rates in older adults would be expected to be lower than rates among younger adults.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To estimate the prevalence and characteristics of adults with ASD living in the community in England.
  
  
  METHODS
  A stratified, multiphase random sample was used in the third national survey of psychiatric morbidity in adults in England in 2007. Survey data were weighted to take account of study design and nonresponse so that the results were representative of the household population.
  
  
  METHODS
  General community (ie, private households) in England.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adults (people 16 years or older).
  
  
  METHODS
  Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Module 4 in phase 2 validated against the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised and Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders in phase 3. A 20-item subset of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient self-completion questionnaire was used in phase 1 to select respondents for phase 2. Respondents also provided information on sociodemographics and their use of mental health services.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 7461 adult participants who provided a complete phase 1 interview, 618 completed phase 2 diagnostic assessments. The weighted prevalence of ASD in adults was estimated to be 9.8 per 1000 (95% confidence interval, 3.0-16.5). Prevalence was not related to the respondent's age. Rates were higher in men, those without educational qualifications, and those living in rented social (government-financed) housing. There was no evidence of increased use of services for mental health problems.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Conducting epidemiologic research on ASD in adults is feasible. The prevalence of ASD in this population is similar to that found in children. The lack of an association with age is consistent with there having been no increase in prevalence and with its causes being temporally constant. Adults with ASD living in the community are socially disadvantaged and tend to be unrecognized.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, England. tsb@le.ac.uk
authors.forename: Traolach S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Brugha
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McManus
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bankart
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Purdon
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bebbington
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.forename: Howard
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Meltzer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011638:Public Housing; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D012943:Social Security; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult