Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

CG142/2

Question

What structure and organisation of specialist autism teams are associated with improvements in care for autistic people?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

The Department of Health's autism strategy (2010) proposes the introduction of a range of specialist services for autistic people; these will usually be built around specialist autism teams. However, there is little evidence to guide the establishment and development of these teams. There is uncertainty about the precise nature of the population to be served (all autistic people or only those who have an IQ of 70 or above), the composition of the team, the extent of the team's role (for example, diagnosis and assessment only, a primarily advisory role or a substantial care coordination role), the interventions provided by the team, and the team's role and relationship with regard to non-statutory care providers. Therefore it is likely that in the near future a number of different models will be developed, which are likely to have varying degrees of success in meeting the needs of autistic people. Given the significant expansion of services, this presents an opportunity for a large-scale observational study, which should provide important information on the characteristics of teams associated with positive outcomes for autistic people in terms of access to services and effective coordination of care.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis and management

Number

CG142

Date issued

June 2012

Other details