Nursery World - Autism plan sets national agenda

New national guidelines for parents and professionals caring for children who have autism spectrum disorders recommend more specific training, multi-agency working, and support for families to ensure their children's early assessment and diagnosis. The National Autism Plan for Children, produced by the National Initiative for Autism: Screening and Assessment, calls for a range of interventions, including the immediate appointment of a key worker for each family and a care plan developed with them and their child. The guidelines, published last week by the National Autistic Society (NAS) in collaboration with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, were developed by a group of professionals from health, education and social services as well as parent and voluntary sector representatives.

The National Autism Plan for Children, produced by the National Initiative for Autism: Screening and Assessment, calls for a range of interventions, including the immediate appointment of a key worker for each family and a care plan developed with them and their child. The guidelines, published last week by the National Autistic Society (NAS) in collaboration with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, were developed by a group of professionals from health, education and social services as well as parent and voluntary sector representatives.

A key aim of the plan is to help end the postcode lottery of service provision. Professor Ann Le Couteur, chair of the NIASA working group, said, 'The report provides a template for multi-agency teams so families and professionals know what is agreed as current best clinical practice irrespective of location across the UK.'

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