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ASD

Overview

Autism is known as a "spectrum" disorder because there is wide variation in symptoms, skills and levels of impact people experience.

The saying, “If you’ve seen one child with autism, you’ve seen one child with autism”, aptly captures this fact - no two people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are affected in exactly the same way and ASD is unique to the individual. Whereas previously, Autistic Disorder was a diagnostic subcategory of Pervasive Developmental Disorders, in DSM-5 (published in 2013) a single diagnostic classification of Autistic Spectrum Disorder is now used to describe a single condition with different levels of symptom severity in two core domains: (i) deficits in social communication and interaction and (ii) restrictive, repetitive behaviours, interests and activities. Importantly, DSM-5 now allows for a dual diagnosis of ASD and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) where both conditions co-exist.1

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The estimated UK prevalence of ASD is 1% and because of its early onset, lifelong persistence, and high levels of associated impairment, it is recognised as a major public health concern.

There are many claims of a 'cure' for autism, all of which are without foundation. However, there are interventions that can help some of the core features of autism, some of the symptoms, behaviours and problems commonly associated with autism, and support families and carers.2 Many individuals with ASD have psychiatric symptoms that do not form part of the diagnostic criteria for the disorder; it is recognised that about 70% of individuals with ASD impairment may have one comorbid mental disorder and 40% may have two or more comorbid mental disorders. Medical conditions commonly associated with ASD include epilepsy, sleep problems and constipation.1 Identification of comorbidities may provide targets for specific interventions to reduce overall impairment and improve quality of life.

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Upcoming Events

Flynn Pharma is committed to the delivery of high quality medical educational events that support the continued development of healthcare professionals - it's our way of helping you to help your patients. Don't miss out. Flynn continues to host a series of educational events and webinars around ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders that are free for healthcare professionals to attend. Sign up to receive our latest updates.

All Events
28
Apr 2026
ADHD
ASD
NDD

ASD vs ADHD: understanding the overlaps and differences

Tuesday 28 April 2026 at 12:00

This educational and promotional event is organised and funded by Flynn Pharma Ltd. This meeting is intended for UK healthcare professionals.

Join Dr Nagy Awadalla to explore practical, evidence-informed approaches to supporting, managing, and treating individuals with ASD and ADHD. Centred around why accurate assessment of the conditions is essential for appropriate diagnosis, support planning and long-term outcomes, Dr Awadalla will discuss the differences and the areas of overlap in the symptoms of individuals with ASD and ADHD.

Event Details
13
May 2026
ASD
NDD

The Spectrum of Paediatric Sleep Disorders

Wednesday 13 May 2026 at 13:00

This educational and promotional event is organised and funded by Flynn Pharma Ltd. This meeting is intended for UK healthcare professionals.

Join us for this webinar, where Dr Dara O’Donoghue will provide an update on paediatric sleep disorders, including the evidence for pharmacological treatment of insomnia, and explore the diagnosis and management of restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy in children.

Event Details
2026 Events Coming Soon

Autism Spectrum Disorder - Continue Your Journey

HCPs
Literature
ASD Overview

We work with leading experts in the field to design meeting programmes that explore key issues in ASD.

HCPs
Literature
Insomnia in Children with ASD: The Impact

50% to 75% of children with neurodevelopmental or phychiatric comorbidities experience paediatric insomnia

HCPs
Literature
Insomnia in Children with ASD: The Role of Melatonin

Insomnia in Children with ASD: The Aetiological Role of Melatonin

HCPs
Literature
Insomnia in ASD: Challenges of off label pharmacotherapy
HCPs
Literature
Insomnia in Children with ASD: Paediatric Prolonged-Release Melatonin Tablets (Slenyto®)
HCPs
Literature
The Evidence Base

Slenyto® (paediatric prolonged-release melatonin) for:

  • treatment of insomnia in children and adolescents aged 2-18 years with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and/or neurogenetic disorders with aberrant diurnal melatonin secretion and/or nocturnal awakenings, where sleep hygiene measures have been insufficient
  • treatment of insomnia in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) where sleep hygiene measures have been insufficient
  • significant improvements, over baseline, in total sleep time, sleep initiation (latency) and maintenance, child behaviours (externalising), caregivers’ quality of life and resolution of caregiver sleep disturbance
HCPs
ASD FAQs
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References

  1. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition: DSM-5. American Psychiatric Association, 2017
  2. NICE Clinical guideline CG170 Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: support and management. Published August 2013

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