Our Autism Research Strategy
MRC Review of Autism Research
In 2001 the MRC undertook the first comprehensive review of UK research into autism. We carried out this work for the Department of Health, in response to growing public concern about the rising incidence of autism spectrum disorders and a possible link to the MMR vaccine and bowel disorders.
The review report, entitled MRC Review of Autism Research is still considered to be the leading source of information on UK knowledge about the causes and epidemiology of autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). One of our key findings was that more research was needed, particularly into
- Case-definition.
- The role of, and interplay between, genetic and environmental risk factors.
- Causal pathways and mechanisms.
- New approaches to treatment and possibly prevention.
In response to these recommendations, the Government gave the MRC an extra £2.75 million for autism research in 2002 to which the MRC added another £0.35 million, to fund six major new research projects.
Since then, MRC has made an additional £2.7 million worth of commitment in another 3 projects taking the overall commitment since 2002 to £5.8 million. The value of all current projects is approximately £7.6 million.
Autism Steering Group
The MRC set up an independent steering group, chaired by Professor Carol Dezateux of the Institute of Child Health, London, to advise on how we spent the extra £2.75 million research funding from Government. The Group also advised on other aspects of the research strategy, including ways of promoting effective two-way communication between autism researchers and the parents and carers of autistic people and other public stakeholders. Further details of the Group, including membership, terms of reference and the awards made, are available in report of Autism Steering Group.
Autism Research Co-ordination Group
The MRC is a member of the Autism Research Co-ordination Group, which was set up by the Government in 2005 to provide a framework for co-ordinating autism research activity in the UK. This will enable findings from autism research to be used more effectively to inform the development of public policy in areas affecting people with autism.
The aims of the Group are to:
- Improve government awareness, knowledge and understanding of the existing research base and current research activity on children and adults with autism to inform policy making
- Identify gaps in the research base to inform decisions on public funding of future research and to improve the evidence base for policy development
- Communicate the work of the Group to those with an interest in or a responsibility for providing services for people with autism, in order to spread knowledge of the research base and add to the debate on autism research.
Contact: Dr Gavin Malloch
Telephone: 020 7670 5244
Email: gavin.malloch@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk
