Improving the Health of Older Autistic People

Overview

This is a two year research study which started in September 2017. Our aim is for the research to lead to new ways of making sure that older autistic adults get access to the healthcare they need. This is an exploratory project, starting with surveys and focus groups consulting with the autistic community, their supporters and relevant health professionals who contribute to the delivery of physical health care, exploring their experience of current NHS physical health care services for autistic adults. From this we hope to increase our knowledge about what the healthcare needs of older autistic adults are and how we can best meet those needs. We will use the results to help inform, design and pilot a novel approach to facilitating access to healthcare. Once this is complete we aim to let people know how older adults might want to be supported, and hope this will lead to people making changes in the services available to autistic adults. The findings will provide NHS clinicians and policymakers with evidence based information on best ways to provide physical health care to autistic adults.

Who is involved in this study?

The Principal Investigators for this study are Dr Barry Ingham and Dr Jeremy Parr

Barry Ingham

‌Jeremy Parr‌

Also involved in the project from the Neurodevelopment and Disability team are:

Marc Woodbury-Smith

  • Clinical Senior Lecturer
  • Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

David Mason

  • Research Assistant

 And from outside the team is:

  • Toni Brown (Clinical Research Therapist, Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust)

 

More information        

Email: toni.brown@ntw.nhs.uk                                      

Call: 07977 518776

Other research

Improving the Health of Older Autistic People sits within the 'Clinical service development' and the 'Effects and acceptability of interventions' research themes.

If you are looking for research linked to ASD, please view the relevant conditions and topics page.