The Government proposes to remove old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs from sale in 2011. This may have an adverse effect on people with autism who are highly sensitive to some forms of energy-effiicent lighting.

While people with autism may be able to control the lighting in their own home - for example by stockpiling old-style light bulbs - some will face difficulties when using public buildings or services, such as hospitals and day centres. There is also the question about how people with autism who live in residential homes will be affected.

The National Autistic Society (NAS) has recently carried out some research on the subject of light sensitivity and new forms of lighting, and the results are reported here by our Director of Research, Richard Mills.

Context

It is reported that a high proportion of children and adults with autism show marked differences in their sensory profile and that this includes sensitivity and adverse reactions to certain forms of artificial lighting. In line with EU directives it is proposed to remove old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs from sale in 2011.

Concern has been raised by groups of individuals with medical problems affected by exposure to new forms of energy efficient lighting that their conditions are adversely affected by these new products. They are asking that the Government continue to allow the incandescent bulbs to be sold until safe alternatives are developed and tested.

These groups include people with lupus, migraine, epilepsy and other auto immune and skin problems - and autism.

Survey

Following a request for information an appeal went out via the NAS website asking how individuals with autism and their families would be affected by the removal of traditional light bulbs from sale. The appeal ran for six weeks and produced the following response.

Results
In total there were 43 responses - 20 adults and 23 children from across the whole spectrum of autism.

  • 41 of the 43 said they were severely affected by light sensitivity and had a seriously adverse reaction to new forms of lighting.
  • One said they were moderately affected.
  • One said they were not affected.
  • 35 said they were stockpiling supplies of the old-style incandescent lighting.


Narrative accounts included the following verbatim statements from respondents.

"I am unable to go into public places so have stockpiled supplies to use at home."

"I feel physical pain if exposed to new forms of lighting."

"The new lighting makes me feel sick and everything jumps about."

"Our son will react with an immediate panic attack if exposed to the new form of lighting."

"I cannot go to public buildings now - even the hospital is off limits."

Conclusion

It is apparent that some children and adults with autism suffer severe reactions to new forms of energy-efficient lighting.

The Government is being urged by campaigners to continue to make traditional forms of lighting available to those who need them because of medical reasons.

The low response to this survey does not confirm the widely held view that high numbers of individuals with autism suffer adverse consequences of exposure to new forms of lighting, but neither does it suggest that only a small number are affected.

It is suspected that the true numbers are significantly higher than indicated by this survey. For those who are affected is clear that it has a very significant impact on their health and quality of life. For this reason it would seem prudent that incandescent light bulbs continue to be made available to those who need them, while research into safety is encouraged. It is suspected that affected individuals will wish to stock up on these products while they are still able to do so.
 
These results have been reported to Spectrum, the umbrella organisation that is campaigning for a Government review of its position on lighting and is in discussion with Government officials.

Thank you to all who responded to this survey.