Autism – Lancashire & South Cumbria Library Blog

Learning from Lives and Deaths

People with a learning disability and autistic people (LeDeR)

Kings College London

The national Learning from Lives and Deaths – people with a learning disability and autistic people (LeDeR) report (2023) has been re-published in January 2026.

The Learning from Lives and Deaths – people with a learning disability and autistic people (LeDeR) programme, funded by NHS England and NHS Improvement, was established in 2017 to improve healthcare for people with a learning disability and autistic people. LeDeR aims to:

Improve care for people with a learning disability and autistic people.
Reduce health inequalities for people with a learning disability and autistic people.
Prevent people with a learning disability and autistic people from early deaths.

Access the report here: Learning from Lives and Deaths – people with a learning disability and autistic people (LeDeR) | King’s College London

A Qualitative Study on the Experiences of Adult Females with Late Diagnosis of ASD and ADHD in the UK

Wills V, Chakraborty R. 2026 Jan 14;14(2):209. doi: 10.3390/healthcare14020209. PMID: 41595345; PMCID: PMC12840745

Adult females with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are frequently underdiagnosed due to gender bias, overlapping symptoms, and limited awareness among healthcare professionals. The scarcity of research on this subject—particularly in the UK context—underscores the need for further investigation. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of adult females receiving a late diagnosis of ASD and/or ADHD and to identify key barriers within the UK diagnostic pathway.

Read the full article here: A Qualitative Study on the Experiences of Adult Females with Late Diagnosis of ASD and ADHD in the UK – PubMed Freely accessible

Learning Disabilities & Autism Bulletin

The latest Learning Disabilities and Autism bulletin from the Evidently Better team at Mersey Care NHS FT is now available.

In this edition:

Exploring recovery from anorexia in autistic adults: a qualitative study
Person-Centered: The Impact of People with IDD Choosing Their Goals on Their Quality of Life Outcomes
Increased Dementia Risk in Higher-Functioning Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights from 21,648 Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Down Syndrome Act 2022 guidance: call for evidence (easy read and BSL)
The Mental Health Act 2025 summarised
Revised guidance on restrictive interventions in schools – CBF Statement

If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

LD_14Jan26 Download

Learning Disabilities and Autism

December Bulletin

You can view the latest edition of this bulletin, completed by our colleagues at Mersey Care, here: https://www.evidentlybetter.org/learning-disability-autism/2025/12/17-december-2025/

In this edition:

Learning disabilities and adolescent suicidal ideation: Findings from the z-proso cohort study
Neurodiversity-Affirming Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (NDA-DBT) Informed Group Skills Training Programme for Autistic Adults: A Pilot Study
Effects of a repeated reading intervention on the reading fluency of adolescents with intellectual disability
Review launched into mental health, ADHD and autism services
Education Committee publishes Govt’s response to landmark SEND report
Working effectively with Autistic parents
Plus much more

Evaluation of the National HOPES Programme to end long term segregation

A new evaluation by Manchester Metropolitan University looks at the National HOPES Programme, which aims to bring an end to long term segregation in inpatient settings for autistic people, people with a learning disability, and children and young people.

Long term segregation is a highly restrictive practice that can have a profound impact on wellbeing. The HOPES Programme offers a rights based and trauma informed approach focused on reducing restrictive environments, supporting recovery, and improving experiences for individuals, families, and staff.

This is the first national evaluation of the programme and provides valuable insight into its impact and future development.

Read the full report: e-space

Learning Disabilities & Autism Bulletin

The latest Learning Disabilities and Autism bulletin from the Evidently Better team at Mersey Care NHS FT is now available.

In this edition:

Reducing incidents of violence and aggression and self-harm on a secure mental health inpatient ward for women with learning disabilities
Identifying challenges in meeting the unmet health care needs of children with intellectual disabilities: a scoping review
Unseen and Invisible? Issues of Recognition for Parents With Intellectual Disabilities Accessing Social Work and Social Care Services for Adults in England
The dynamic trajectory of autistic life and its changing challenges: a scoping review
Share for Better Care: What we learnt
Upcoming webinar – Book Clubs: An Innovative and Powerful Approach to Conversations

If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

LD_12Aug25 Download

Learning Disabilities & Autism Bulletin

The latest Learning Disabilities and Autism bulletin from the Evidently Better team at Mersey Care NHS FT is now available.

In this edition:

An Ongoing Process: The Implementation of an Intervention for People With Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities Over Time
Sleep problems and sensory features in children with low-average cognitive abilities and autism spectrum disorder
Bereaved families demand answers on LeDeR report delay
Updated guidance on dementia and learning disabilities
Neurodivergent adolescents experience twice the emotional burden at school compared to their neurotypical peers
Study now recruiting: Improving Care Education and Treatment Reviews for people who are autistic or have learning disabilities

If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

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