The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is writing new clinical guidelines on recognition, referral and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders in children and young people. Development of the guidelines began in May 2009. Approved guidelines will be published in September 2011.
The Autism Education Trust, alongside other relevant national autism bodies, has responded to the recent consultation giving professional advice and insight. Sue Fairhurst, a member of the AET Steering Group and experienced Educational Psychologist and autism education consultant, responded to the guidelines on behalf of the AET.
She said:
“I found it a challenge to respond to the consultation as much of the language and assumptions felt a little dated. However, it is a positive step forward in terms of creating nationally uniform guidelines for diagnosis and can only lead to better recognition and referral figures in future.”
AET comments ranged from querying some of the language used to describe autism throughout the document to more specific concerns around the explicit medical model used. Autism is and should be recognized as a developmental anomaly in some individuals, which can be successfully managed with early recognition and diagnosis. They also focused on the importance of successful education placement for children and young people on the autism spectrum and the importance of collaborative working between agencies to ensure positive outcomes for individuals.
Full details about ongoing clinical guidelines development can be found here. The consultation is now closed.