ASC-UK is a longitudinal study based at Newcastle University that explores the health, wellbeing, and life experiences of autistic adults and their relatives across the UK. Recruitment began in 2014 through NHS services, voluntary organisations, and social media, enrolling adults aged 18 and over with a clinical autism diagnosis from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, as well as relatives who were not required to have their autistic family member in the study. By 2015, over 300 autistic adults and 70 relatives had joined; by 2020, the cohort grew to more than 2,000 autistic adults and 800 relatives. Participants vary widely in age, gender, and ability, including individuals with and without intellectual disabilities, and relatives include parents, siblings, partners, and carers. Follow-up occurs every 18–24 months via questionnaires to track changes in health, wellbeing, and life circumstances over time.
Study design
Cohort - research programme, Cohort
Number of participants at first data collection
2,219 (adults on the autism spectrum)
864 (relatives of adults on the autism spectrum)
Recruitment is ongoing
Age at first data collection
≥ 18 years (adults on the autism spectrum)
≥ 18 years (relatives of adults on the autism spectrum)
Participant year of birth
Varied (adults on the autism spectrum)
Varied (relatives of adults on the autism spectrum)
Participant sex
All
Representative sample at baseline?
No
Sample features
Countries
Year of first data collection
2015
Primary Institutions
Newcastle University (Academic, United Kingdom)
Links
research.ncl.ac.uk/adultautismspectrum/
research.ncl.ac.uk/neurodisability/ourstudies/adultautismspectrumcohort-uk/
Profile paper DOI
Not available
Funders
Autistica (Third Sector, United Kingdom)
Ongoing?
Yes
Data types collected



Engagement
Keywords