Autism Spectrum Disorders in the European Union (ASDEU)
Autism Spectrum Disorders in Europe is a new, trans-European programme involving university, charities and expert institutions to increase understanding of autism.
This website will grow into a unique resource as findings are published and news exchanged. For now, the project has only just started, but sign up for our newsletter to be updated as the programme develops.
The programme will:
– Study the prevalence of autism in 12 countries
– Analyse the economic and social costs of autism
– Develop proposals for early detection programmes
– Validate biomarkers for the disorder
– Train professionals
– Improve understanding of diagnosis, comorbidity and effective care and support for adults and senior citizens with autism
– Propose policies to promote harmonised support for people with ASD across member states
ASDEU Conference
Representatives from 20 groups and 14 countries presented and discussed the findings from this unique three-year programme with an audience of politicians, policy makers and other influencers at a conference in Madrid in January.
The programme has investigated: the prevalence of autism in 12 countries in the European Union; analysed the economic and social costs of autism; reviewed existing arrangements and developed proposals for early detection programmes and training professionals; it has validated biomarkers for ASD; and improved understanding of diagnosis, comorbidity, and effective care and support for adults and senior citizens with autism.
The programme is currently producing its final report, which will be presented to the European Commission, and which will help frame autism practice and policy across Europe. Sign up to the next and final ASDEU e-newsletter, so you’re notified when the report and a full range of summaries of the individual work programmes is available on this website.
Too Much Information
I’m autistic and the fear of unexpected changes can leave me feeling deeply distressed. Sudden changes or breaks in my routine can trigger huge anxiety.
But by not staring or judging me, you can make an overwhelming experience feel a little easier.
Understand autism and what you can do to help. #AutismTMI
Watch this powerful film, staring autistic actor, Saskia Lupin. Already seen by over 1 million people, Diverted, launches the latest phase in the National Autistic Society’s Too Much Information public awareness campaign.
PACT (Pre-school Autism Communication Therapy) Training course
Who is it for? Professionals (Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Speech and Language Therapists, specialist teachers) who are trained and experienced in the social communication needs of children with autism of 2-10 years of age.
WORK PACKAGES
Work Package 1
PREVALENCE AND RELATED SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC COSTSWP leader: Manuel Posada, ISCIII
Estimation of the prevalence for ASD as a whole as well as by diagnostic subtype in the European Union and estimation of related social and economic burden.
Work Package 2
EARLY DETECTION, DIAGNOSIS AND EVIDENCE-BASED INTERVENTIONWP leader: Ricardo Canal Bedia, USAL
To review best practices in early detection and intervention in the Member States of the EU taking into account gender differences.To identify the parameters and biomarkers for diagnosis and early detection of ASD.
Work Package 3
ADULTS TREATMENT AND CAREWP leader: Diana Schendel, AU
To create a comprehensive framework to improve adult autistic treatment and care by adopting an adult lifespan perspective.
Work Package 4
ASD POLICIES IN THE EUWP leader: Aurelie Baranger, Autism-Europe
To assess health education and existing social policies in Member States to support people with Autism Spectrum Disorders at all ages, communities and affected families.To develop a public health plan addressing ASD.
Work Package 7
CO-ORDINATION OF ACTIVITIES WITH THE FP7 EU-AIMS CONSORTIUMWP leader: Tony Charman, King's College London (KCL)
To create synergy between the basic and applied science ASD fields in Europe.
Work Package 5
IMPACT & DISSEMINATIONWP leader: Manuel Posada, ISCIII and Carol Povey
To increase the visibility of the project and the project results.
Work Package 6
EVALUATIONWP leader: Rumen Stefanov, BAPES
The monitoring and evaluation strategy will assure that the project is being developed according to the agreed timetable and the project deliverables are reliable, properly disseminated and fulfill the expectations of their final users.
