Early findings from a national Autism Spectrum Cohort: Adults' health and mental health

Background The Adult Autism Spectrum Cohort is a longitudinal research project aiming to investigate the life experiences of adults on the autism spectrum. We examined the mental health/neurological and physical health status... [ view full abstract ]

Background
The Adult Autism Spectrum Cohort is a longitudinal research project aiming to investigate the life experiences of adults on the autism spectrum. We examined the mental health/neurological and physical health status of autistic adults and their association with employment and social opportunities.

Methods
Adults were recruited through health teams, voluntary sector organisations, and the autism community. Adults completed questions on whether they were currently diagnosed with a range of mental health/neurological and physical health conditions as well as support received, their qualifications, employment, and social opportunities. By January 2016, 279 adults had joined (males=159, females=114, other gender=6; mean age=42.0 years, range=18-86) with 5 adults/week joining.

Results
Adults reported high rates of depression (48.7%) and anxiety (47.3%), as well as ADHD (10.0%), OCD, (9.0%), bipolar disorder (5.4%), and eating disorder (4.7%). 70.3% reported that they had previously tried to access services but only 29.7% accessed the service that they needed, due to lack of available services (16.1%), lack of referral (7.5%), and by choice (6.1%). Physical health conditions included gastrointestinal problems (25.1%), sleep problems (25.1%), and high blood pressure (12.5%). Regression analysis of characteristics associated with these co-existing conditions will be presented.

Conclusions
Mental health/neurological conditions and physical health conditions are common for autistic adults. The variability in access to services for co-existing conditions identifies health care as key in the support that autistic adults may need. Understanding the relationship between co-existing conditions and other aspects of adults’ lives is important for developing interventions and support mechanisms.