B3326 - Mental Health in Autism Spectrum Disorders Secondary data analysis across a range of population-based datasets - 18/06/2019

B number: 
B3326
Principal applicant name: 
Emma Colvert | King's College London (United Kingdom)
Co-applicants: 
Professor Francesca Happé
Title of project: 
Mental Health in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Secondary data analysis across a range of population-based datasets.
Proposal summary: 

Recent research studies estimate approximately 75-80% of autistic individuals will experience mental health problems during their lifetime, compared to 25% of the non-autistic population (Autistica, 2018). Additional mental health problems add burden to those with ASD, their carers and their wider family. Research highlighting the elevated rates of suicide and self-harm among those with ASD make clear the extent and possible effects of mental health difficulties for this group, with research by both Cassidy et al. (2014) and Culpin et al. (2018) identifying depression as a key factor in the suicidal ideation and self-harm shown by those on the autism spectrum.

Current knowledge of mental health problems in ASD is patchy, inconsistent and often contradictory, owing in part on the reliance on clinic-based samples and non-systematic assessments of difficulties. In order to gain a more accurate picture of the rates and patterns of additional mental health problems, population-based research is needed. The proposed study aims to provide a comprehensive secondary data analysis of the existing information on mental health problems accompanying ASD in five population-based studies. The study aims to examine the types of mental health problems experienced by those with ASD, the developmental course of difficulties, risk and protective factors, possible gender differences (including issues surrounding later diagnosis for females) and impact on wellbeing and life outcomes, with the hope of improving recognition and treatment of mental health in ASD.

Secondary data analysis has been chosen to tackle this topic area as a wide range of studies have included measures of mental health and ASD as part of research programmes and these data are available to be examined, thereby negating the need to cause potential burden or stress to those with ASD by creating new studies to focus specifically on this area. In addition, combining existing datasets will give an unprecedented sample size, giving greater statistical power to provide valid results.

Impact of research: 
The proposed study's focus on mental health is currently one of the key research priorities in the field of ASD research, and the study will have a number of areas of impact. Firstly, the study will benefit researchers in the fields of ASD and mental health by providing much needed synthesis of information from population-based sources, academic and research impact will be via dissemination in open-access peer reviewed journal articles and presentations at both national and international conferences. Secondly, the study will benefit clinicians working with individuals with ASD and their families, by providing clarity of information about mental health problems experienced by this group. Again, dissemination of information will be via peer reviewed journal articles and presentations at clinically attended conferences, this will facilitate societal and economic impact, in terms of informing about mental health and the possible need for targeted services for this group. Finally, the study will benefit those with ASD themselves and their families/carers. By examining types and factors related to mental health problems the study will add much needed quantitative population-based information to add to the debate about recognition and treatment of problems for this group, with the aim of improving the targeting of services and enhancing quality of life. The findings will have impact for this group via dissemination at talks open to the general public, via parent groups, schools, colleges and open lectures about our work (a model we have used with great success for the SR Study). Additionally, the research findings and their implications will be publicised through websites and social media (e.g. the Twitter account@Happelab>7,000 followers). We will also share information through the National Autistic Society, Autistica and the NAHT National Forum for Neuroscience and Special Education (of which Prof Happé is a co-founder) to reach stakeholders.
Date proposal received: 
Wednesday, 12 June, 2019
Date proposal approved: 
Thursday, 13 June, 2019
Keywords: 
Mental health - Psychology, Psychiatry, Cognition, Mental health, Statistical methods, Autism Mental health