Time is running out for the autism community to provide feedback on what is the first National Autism Guideline. The deadline is August 29 with the final document scheduled for release in October.
Australia to date has not had an evidence-based best practice for autism, Autism CRC Guideline Development Group co-chair, Professor Andrew Whitehouse said.
“The Draft Guideline was developed with the aim of helping children with autism and their families receive safe, effective and desirable supports.”
To date there have been 3,082 unique downloads according to the latest figures from Autism CRC.
The incidence of autism has grown rapidly from a rare condition to one that is diagnosed relatively often, Whitehouse said.
“During this time, there was a great deal of research which started to reshape our understanding of what evidence-based practice in this field is.”
The 84 Recommendations in the guideline were developed within an evidence-based practice framework, combining research evidence with insights from 30 years of clinical practice, and the preferences and priorities of children and their families.
Many associated issues, such as education, were beyond the document’s scope – an important point for families looking at how the recommendations could translate into practical supports which children can access, Whitehouse said.
“The guideline has defined what good clinical practice looks like. It is now up to systems, such as the Health Departments and the NDIS , to determine how they implement the clinical recommendations.”
The draft document is available for review at: www.autismcrc.com.au/supporting-children