The Development of Diagnostic Algorithms for Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Primary and Secondary School-Aged Children

Principal Investigators: Professor Ann Le Couteur

Collaborator(s): Professor Louise Parker, Professor Helen McConachie; 7 UK sites – Dr Gina Conti Ramsden (Manchester); Dr Anne Gilchrist (Aberdeen); Dr Fiona Scott (Cambridge); Professor Tony Bailey (Oxford); Dr Dorothy Bishop (Oxford); Dr Tony Charman (London); Professor Andrew Pickles (Manchester); Professor Eric Fombonne (Staffordshire); Professor Cathy Lord (USA)

Project Staff: Donna Hammal

Funding: The Health Foundation

Start and End dates: 15 September 2003 – 1^st January 2007

Abstract:

This project will redefine, in the light of newly emerging diagnostic concepts, the diagnostic algorithms for autism and autism spectrum disorders using the ADI-R (autism diagnostic interview and the ADOS (autism diagnostic observation schedule). Data using these two so called ‘gold standard’ research diagnostic tools will be collated from the seven UK sites collaborating on the study. Opportunities for cross validation will be provided using US datasets co-ordinated by Professor Cathy Lord, University of Michigan.