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

PROGRAMME CONCLUSION AND LEGACY
The Autism Spectrum Disorders in the European Union programme has now concluded and the final report of the programme and findings has been finalised in discussion with the European Commission. You can read a summary HERE
We are very proud that this unique programme is set to help frame autism practice and policy across Europe. As well as identifying specific recommendations, we have identified the most promising directions for future research and important gaps between practice frameworks and their delivery.
List of articles published by the ASDEU consortium
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ASDEU has presented the main results of the project in the Informal meeting of the EU Member States Ministers Responsible for Persons with Disabilities hold in Paris, France in March, 14th, 2019
>> Declaration adoptep during the informal meeting
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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.
ASDEU Conference
Near to 100 delegates from 26 European countries at the final conference in Madrid in January, where representatives from 22 groups and 14 countries presented and discussed the findings from this unique three-year programme.
The first practical guide on autism has been published and sponsored by ESCAP (European Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry). This guide has been led by our ASDEU colleague Dr. Joaquín Fuentes.
The publication is an open source article and can be accessed throught this cite
ESCAP practice guidance for autism: a summary of evidence-based recommendations for diagnosis and treatment. Fuentes J, Hervás A, Howlin P; (ESCAP ASD Working Party). Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2020 Jul 14. doi: 10.1007/s00787-020-01587-4. Online ahead of print. PMID: 32666205.
April 2, 2020 – World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD)
Read the Campaign Manifesto for World Autism Awareness Day
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.