Autism JSNA

Evidence base

This section provides links and a brief summary of a robust evidence base. For example, peer-reviewd studies, systematic revies, evaluations of interventions and best practice guidelines from national sources.

Issue number 1 = highest priority
1	Source	NHS England
	Title incl. web link	National framework and operational guidance for autism assessment services NHS England » National framework and operational guidance for autism assessment services
	Summary	Provides 10 principles for all-age autism assessment pathways. It aims to: Reduce diagnostic waiting times Improve quality and consistency of services Ensure equity of access across regions It emphasises needs-led support before and after diagnosis.
	Source	NICE
	Title incl. web link	Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis and management Overview \| Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis and management \| Guidance \| NICE
	Summary	Recommends: Multidisciplinary teams for assessment Timely referral from GPs and mental health services Person-centred care and reasonable adjustments Support for co-occurring conditions (e.g. anxiety, depression) Also includes guidance for children and young people under separate guidelines.
2	Source	NHS
	Title incl. web link	Learning Disability and Autism Programme policy guidance, tools and resources for colleagues working across the NHS NHS England » Learning Disability and Autism Programme policy guidance, tools and resources for colleagues working across the NHS
	Summary	Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag: enables staff to record and share adjustments needed for autistic individuals across NHS services Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training: all CQC-registered providers must ensure staff receive autism training appropriate to their role Annual Health Checks: encouraged for autistic people with learning disabilities to improve early detection of health issues STOMP/STAMP: programmes to reduce inappropriate prescribing of psychotropic medication
	Source	Department for Health & Social Care and Department for Education
	Title incl. web link	National strategy for autistic children, young people and adults: 2021 to 2026 National strategy for autistic children, young people and adults: 2021 to 2026 - GOV.UK
	Summary	Priority areas including improving public understanding of autism; inclusive education and employment; reducing health inequalities; and improving community support. It emphasises autism-friendly environments public services and transport and calls for co-production with autistic people in service design.
3	Source	NHS
	Title incl. web link	Meeting the needs of autistic adults in mental health services NHS England » Meeting the needs of autistic adults in mental health services
	Summary	Developed with input from autistic people and professionals, it emphasises co-production in designing services. It encourages ICBs to involve autistic people in service planning, evaluation and workforce training.
	Source	National Autistic Society
	Title incl. web link	NHS autism champions model NHS autism champions model
	Summary	Developed a network of staff and autistic individuals to embed co-production in service improvement. Champions promote autism awareness, inclusive design and feedback loops.