A person is unable to give consent if they have an impairment of, or disturbance to, the the mind or the brain, and as a result is unable to:
1. Understand information about the decision to be made
2. Retain the information in their mind
3. Use or weigh that information as part of the decision making process, or
4.Communicate their decisions (by talking, using sign language, or other means)
- Mental Capacity Act (2005).
Please note that the legal position on who is entitled to consent/assent/ or advise on behalf of an adult who cannot give consent varies by country.
The information sheets provided here are in compliance with the relevant legislation in each country; the Mental Capacity Act (2000) in England and Wales, the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 in Scotland, and common law in Northern Ireland.
All of our information sheets, consultee declaration / assent / consent forms have been reviewed and approved by ethical committees in each country.
If you are unsure about whether you are entitled to give consent for an adult who is unable, please refer to the guidlines for each country:
If you are a relative or a carer on an adult on the autism spectrum who is unable to give consent, and are entitled to consent on their behalf, please click on your location to receive more information about the study and how you can participate.