Living with autism: development of a DIPEx (personal experiences of health and illness) website. (360G-Wellcome-080057_Z_06_Z)

Living with autism: development of a DIPEx (personal experiences of health and illness) website Autism spectrum disorders are of particular concern to parents and professionals because of difficulties recognising the problem, the spectrum of disorders involved, and the media coverage concerning their possible association with immunisations. To present a balanced picture this project proposes to establish and market test a web resource, as part of the award winning DIPEx project www.dipex.org We will collect and analyse narrative video and audio tape recorded interviews with parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and from a range of young people with ASD and Asperger's syndrome. These interviews will be with people throughout the UK from a broad range of ages, social and cultural backgrounds, and covering experiences of different levels of disability, support, educational provision and attainment. The interviews will be analysed, and supplemented with evidence based information about the conditions, their management and the available treatments. Like other DIPEx health and illness modules, the web site on ASD will include approximately 250 video and audio clips, 25-30 thematic summaries of issues, questions most important to the respondents and links to other information, resources and support groups. Some of the young adults with ASD and Asperger's will be invited to be trained and supported to make a short video diary of their everyday lives and the problems encountered. The website will provide support and information for those concerned that their children might have the condition, families who have children with the condition, and will also provide an invaluable training resource for professionals.