Advanced
search

To read this content please select one of the options below:

The NICE guideline on recognition, referral, diagnosis and management of adults on the autism spectrum

C. Ellie Wilson (Post Doctoral Research Worker, based at Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK)
Ged Roberts (Specialist Nurse, based at Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK and Autism Spectrum Service Institution, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, Bristol, UK)
Nicola Gillan (Clinical Researcher, based at Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK)
Chris Ohlsen (Staff Grade Psychiatrist, based at Adult Autism Service and Behavioural Genetics Clinic, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK)
Dene Robertson (Consultant Psychiatrist, based at Adult Autism Service and Behavioural Genetics Clinic, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK)
Janneke Zinkstok (Consultant Psychiatrist, based at Adult Autism Service and Behavioural Genetics Clinic, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK and Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK)

Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities

ISSN: 2044-1282

Article publication date: 1 January 2014

1428

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the recent National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) clinical guidance for diagnosis and treatment of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to discuss clinical and practical implications.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a summary and discussion of the NICE guidance for adults with autism. This includes discussion of relevant related guidance, the need for transition services for young people with ASD, education of professionals, applicability of the guidance to people with intellectual disabilities and challenges related to implementation of the guidance in a changing National Health Service.

Findings

The guidance provides an excellent overview of current and state-of-the-art strategies for diagnosis and treatment of ASD-related behaviours, and their level of evidence. In terms of diagnosis, the main recommendation for clinicians is to carry out a comprehensive assessment for adults with suspected autism, taking into account co-morbid mental health problems and potential unmet needs. In addition, NICE makes recommendations regarding pharmacological and psychological interventions and these are discussed. The guidance also makes specific recommendations regarding service design, for example the formation of Autism Strategy Groups. This will hopefully support the development of specialist adult autism services.

Originality/value

This paper provides new insights into the implications of the recently published NICE clinical guidance for autism in adults, relevant for health care professionals, service managers and service users.

Keywords

Citation

Ellie Wilson, C., Roberts, G., Gillan, N., Ohlsen, C., Robertson, D. and Zinkstok, J. (2014), "The NICE guideline on recognition, referral, diagnosis and management of adults on the autism spectrum", Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 3-14. https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-05-2013-0035

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Related articles

Manage cookies

We’re listening — tell us what you think

Join us on our journey