Ann Le Couteur
Background 
Ann Le Couteur is the Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Newcastle University and has more than 25 years experience in assessment, diagnosis, management and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other complex mental health disorders in children, young people, adults and families/carers.
Ann is also an Honorary Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist for Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Trust where she leads the North East Regional Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders Service and lead Lifespan ASD and Transition services within Newcastle Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.
Areas of Research
Ann's clinical and research work has focused on understanding the aetiology, assessment, diagnosis, management and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other complex mental health disorders (such as Early Onset Bipolar Disorder) in children, young people, adults and their families/carers. She co-leads the Newcastle University Autism Research Team within the Lifecourse, Development and Ageing Group, Institute of Health & Society, co-ordinating programmes of work studying the genetics of ASD and the broader autism phenotype; the development of assessment and outcome measures across the lifespan; evaluation of interventions for children and families; and the promotion of evidence based models of best practice for ASD services including transition to adult services. She leads clinical and research training courses in use of Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) both in UK and further afield.
To view Ann Le Couteur's publications, group membership and qualifications please see her University profile.
Current Studies
ASC-UK
This project is about engaging adults on the autism spectrum and their relatives in research. It is a research programme about the life experiences of adults on the autism spectrum and their relatives/carers.
PACT-G
The Paediatric Autism Communication Trial - Generalised (PACT-G) aims to test the efficacy of social communication intervention to improve the communication skills and reduce autism symptoms in young children with autism spectrum disorder.
PAT-A
In this study, we will conduct a national autism and anxiety survey, gathering the views of autistic people and professionals. Using this information, we will adapt current NHS anxiety treatments to make them ‘fit for purpose’ for use with autistic adults and test their efficacy in a randomised control trial.
The Transition Programme
Transition is a 5-year Programme of research looking at how health services can contribute most effectively to the successful transition of young people with complex health needs from childhood to adulthood.
Recently Completed Studies
MeASURe
MeASURe stands for Measurement in Autism Spectrum disorder Under Review. This systematic review explored the measurement properties of tools used in assessing progress and outcomes of children on the autism spectrum up to age 6 years.