Families affected by autism are being invited to take part in a new study, which aims to determine the true costs of raising a child with this condition.

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a biological disorder of the brain that impairs communication and social skills. Signs can include an absence of eye contact, apparent aloofness, avoidance of physical contact even with family, difficulty dealing with interruptions to routine and a lack of interest in other children and what they are doing.

This new study is being carried out by researchers at NUI Galway. They will look at around 300 families who have a child aged between two years and 18 with ASD.

Their aim is ‘to provide evidence-based research on the household resources, out-of-pocket expenditure, utilisation of healthcare and services, and informal care associated with caring for a child with an autism spectrum disorder in Ireland'.

"To date, very little is known in an Irish context about the extra costs, accessing services and the burden of care affiliated with child autism and its policy implications," they noted.

The study will involve the primary carer in each household filling in a questionnaire. This should take around one hour to fill in and you will be given one month to complete it.

The findings will be made available in a report through Irish Autism Action, Shine Ireland and Dochas organisations. Participants can withdraw at any time and all information collected will be kept strictly confidential.

If you have any queries, email a.roddy1@nuigalway.ie or click here