The National Autistic Society (NAS) have warmly welcomed new guidelines to improve the diagnostic process for under-18s with autism in England and Wales.

These vital recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) should bring about a far more consistent approach to referral and diagnosis, and mean more children getting quicker access to necessary support services.

The NICE recommendations include an ‘autism team’ in each area with multi-disciplinary autism professionals; an individual case co-ordinator for each child and their family; a more comprehensive diagnostic process; and local autism strategy groups that promote joint working between health, education and care services.

Mark Lever, NAS Chief Executive, said:

We hear all too often from parents who have been pushed from pillar to post trying to get a diagnosis for their child, and even once their child is diagnosed a further battle to get the right post-diagnosis support. In a recent NAS survey, 68% of parents we spoke to said it had not been easy to get support for their child. Lack of appropriate support can have an extremely detrimental affect on the family as a whole, and lead to more costly services and support being required further down the line.

The NICE guidelines offer a clear cut process for families in terms of diagnosis and early support and we urge local authorities to implement these recommendations as soon as possible to prevent more children and their families struggling unnecessarily. It is important to point out however, that diagnosis is just the beginning of the journey for people with autism, and in addition to the NICE guidelines we further welcome the proposed NICE Quality Standards, which define best practice across health and social care, giving both children and adults with autism vital information to get the support and services they need.

With the right support at the right time, people with autism can lead happy and fulfilling lives.

For further information go to www.autism.org.uk

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