Autism: register

Indicators

The contractor establishes and maintains a register of all people on the autistic spectrum.

Introduction

Autistic spectrum disorder is a wide ranging definition of a developmental condition which affects social interaction, communication and may be combined with restricted interests and rigid, repetitive behaviours. People experience a range of cognitive, learning, language, medical, emotional and behavioural problems with an associated impact upon the person themselves and their family. The condition may be overlooked by healthcare, education and social care professionals which may create a barrier to receiving appropriate services and support.

The aim of this indicator is to encourage practices to record the diagnosis using appropriate clinical codes and to proactively seek to understand the reasonable adjustments needed by these people in order to access services.

This statement covers a new indicator that is part of the NICE menu of indicators for general practice, following the recommendations of the NICE indicator advisory committee in June 2017.

Resource impact

No additional costs are anticipated from establishing and maintaining a register of all people on the autistic spectrum.