New guidelines aim to standardise the diagnosis of Autism in Australia

NEW GUIDELINES AIM TO STANDARDISE THE DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISM IN AUSTRALIA.

The federal government last month released a range of new guidelines. The guidelines aim to standardise the diagnosis of Autism in Australia.

Autism CRC, with the financial support of the National Disability Insurance Agency, developed and published the guidelines to create greater consistency in the diagnosis of Autism practices across the country. This will ensure individuals on the autism spectrum and their families can receive optimal care.

Participants on the autism spectrum make up the largest disability group within the NDIS. This means the changes could affect a lot of people, as much as 31% of all NDIS participants. The Minister for Families and Social Services Paul Fletcher made the announcement in Canberra last month. He assured people that the changes would not affect those already supported by the NDIS.

WHAT EXACTLY ARE IN THE GUIDELINES?

The guideline contains a step-by-step process for conducting a Comprehensive Needs Assessment and a Diagnostic Evaluation of autism from the time of referral until the results are shared in a written report is outlined in the guideline. It contains 70 recommendations for optimal assessments and diagnosis of Autism. It is Australia’s first move towards a standardised approach to diagnosing Autism. Mr Fletcher said the changes were positive and would help people to receive better services because the new guidelines will drive better diagnostic standards. People can receive more accurate assessments when accurately diagnosed and therefore directed to the correct supports.

The next challenge will be to ensure that the guidelines are adopted and implemented by clinicians and services who are involved in the assessment and diagnosis of Autism in Australia. Mr. Fletcher said that it was too early to tell what effect the guidelines would have saying, “we will have to wait and see what the impacts of this are”.

Want a copy of the guide?

To access a copy of the guide, you can register to access the National Guide at the following link:

https://www.autismcrc.com.au/knowledge-centre/resource/national-guideline