Jacqui Rodgers

Background

Jacqui Rodgers is a Professor of Psychology Mental Health based in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK. Her work focuses on trying to understand mental health conditions experienced by autistic people. She has a particular interest in anxiety and suicide in autism. She is really keen to ensure that clinical services have good assessment methods available to them to identify when autistic people are experiencing mental health difficulties and to evaluate interventions. With colleagues has developed the first anxiety and suicidality questionnaires specifically designed and validated for autistic adults and children.

She is also involved in the development and evaluation of a range of mental health focused interventions for autistic children and adults. Some of this work is focused on how autistic people respond to uncertainty. All of the work she is involved is undertaken in collaboration with members of the autism community and she feels passionately that co-production is essential for us to be able to truly understand the experiences of autistic people.

To view Jacqui Rodger's publications, group membership and qualifications please see her University profile.

Current Studies

Identifying Targets to Prevent Suicide in Autism: A Psychological Autopsy Study


This project aims to establish the true rate of autism in UK suicides, and understand whether autistic individuals experience unique risk factors for suicide compared to the general population. Results will be used to co-design a suicide prevention strategy in partnership with a steering group of autistic people who have attempted suicide.‌

Managing Anxiety in WS

This project focuses on the development of an intervention package to address anxiety experienced by children with Williams Syndrome. A parent mediated group intervention in under development (Billy’s Feelings Toolbox©)‌.

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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.

Uncertain Futures

Uncertain Futures is a one year study which will explore concerns relating to uncertainty about the futur‌es for adults with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. The study is funded by Research Autism.

Recently Completed Studies

CUES

This project focused on the development of an intervention package to address anxiety relating to uncertainty experienced by autistic children. A parent mediated group intervention was developed (Coping with Uncertainty in Everyday Situations CUES©)during the study.

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.

Measuring Anxiety in ASD

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This project focused on the devlopment of an assessment tool to measure anxiety in autistic children. A self and parent report questionnaire, the Anxiety Scale for Children - ASD (ASC-ASD©), was developed during the study.‌

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌WHOQOL-BREF

The project explored whether the WHOQOL-BREF is fit for purpose in measuring quality of life of autistic adults. Through extensive consultation with the autism community, some new autism-specific items were developed to make the measure more appropriate.