Autism research in children and young people
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects around 1 in 100 children in the UK. For the 2.8 million people for whom it is part of daily life, the right support can make all the difference. At the King's Maudsley Partnership, we focus on autism research in children and young people.
Our work is guided by real-life experiences. This page shows how we are increasing our understanding of autism, enhancing mental health support, and creating care that suits every child.
The challenge
Autism impacts how children communicate and interact with the world - and while it brings real strengths, it can also come with significant challenges.
One of the most pressing challenges is mental health. Autistic children are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, OCD, and eating disorders than their neurotypical peers. Yet too often, these co-occurring conditions go unrecognised, sometimes because autism itself has not yet been identified.
We know that every person experiences autism differently. Understanding those individual differences is key to developing support that works for each child - rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach that leaves many families without the help they need.
Our approach
“Everything we do starts with lived experience. Families consistently tell us they want better mental health support, more inclusive environments, and research that directly benefits daily life - and that’s where we focus our efforts.” Professor Emily Jones, Professor of Developmental Translational Neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King's College London.
King's College London is known worldwide for its integrated autism research. It combines biological, psychological, environmental science, with lived-experience views.
This helps create a complete understanding of autism from childhood to adulthood. These perspectives don’t exist in isolation. They support and enhance each other throughout our work.
Everything we do starts with the people who know autism best. Autistic young people and their families always share what matters most to them.
Our research priorities come directly from that feedback. They include early identification, individual differences, and related mental health conditions.
Our commitment to inclusion runs deep. We’re proud to be on the team that received the Black Pearl Award for inclusion. This award recognises our efforts to make sure research reflects the diverse communities we serve. We are part of the RESPECT 4 Neurodevelopment network. This is an inclusive, multi-disciplinary community.
The Pears Maudsley Centre unites researchers and clinicians in order to turn discoveries into better care, faster than ever.
What we are working on
Mental health and associated conditions
Autistic children and young people often experience mental health problems. These may include anxiety, depression, OCD, and eating disorders.
We are trying to understand why. This will help us create more effective treatments and, if we can, prevent these issues from happening at all.
Researchers at the Re:Spect Lab study mental health in autistic individuals throughout their lives. They focus on trauma responses and post-traumatic stress disorder. These issues affect autistic people more. Their work looks at what can make autistic lives happier and healthier. This includes the importance of social connections and community.
The Pears Maudsley Centre is home to the Service for Complex Autism and Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorders (SCAAND). This is a Tier 4 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) and one of the UK's top centres for mental health care. We focus on children and young people with complex neurodevelopmental needs.
Molehill Mountain app
Molehill Mountain is an app based on lived experiences. Developed by experts from within King’s Maudsley Partnership and funded by Maudsley Charity, it helps autistic people manage anxiety in practical, everyday ways.
Understanding individual differences
No two autistic people are the same. We are studying the brain and genetic differences in autistic individuals. This helps us understand why some children face mental health challenges while others do not. Our goal is to match support to individual needs.
King's College London is a leading centre for AIMS-2-TRIALS (Autism Innovative Medicine Studies-2-Trials). This major European research programme runs from 2018 to 2026.
The programme looks at how autism develops from before birth to adulthood. It looks for biological markers that could help identify those who might benefit from specific therapies. It is also trying new ways to help with social difficulties, repetitive behaviours, and sensory processing.
Early identification and supportive environments
The earlier we identify autism and provide support, the better the results for children and their families. We are studying early brain pathways and looking for signs of autism. Our goal is to enhance the environments where young autistic children develop and learn.
Key studies, like the Studying Autism and ADHD in early years (STAARS) project, which uses innovative techniques to study the brains and behaviours of infants to help researchers identify the earliest signs of autism, will help us develop earlier and more effective intervention to improve the quality of life for children and their families.
Meet the team
- Professor Emily Simonoff
- Professor Emily Jones
- Dr Sarah Bernard
- Professor Francesca Happé
- Professor Andre Strydom
- Professor Declan Murphy
- Professor Tony Charman
- Professor Eva Loth
- Professor Oscar Marin
- Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke
- Professor Chiara Nosarti
- Professor Grainne McAlonan
- Dr Nicoletta Adamo
- Dr Susie Whitwell
- Dr Rosa Hoekstra
- Professor Andrew Pickles