Media release
From: Autism CRCAutism CRC has today launched a National Guideline Implementation Toolkit to help clinicians to upskill and deliver the recommendations of the recently published National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism.
The Toolkit makes an important contribution to nation-wide implementation of the Guideline. It aims to improve clinician knowledge of best-practice assessment and diagnosis procedures, and provide them with practical tools for use in clinical practice.
Professor Andrew Whitehouse, Autism CRC Research Strategy Director and Chair of the National Guideline Research Executive Committee, said the Toolkit is a valuable resource for clinicians who want to learn more about the Guideline, or to check their practice aligns with the latest scientific evidence.
“The Toolkit provides a succinct overview of the Guideline recommendations, with a clear step-by-step process for assessment, covering which professionals should be involved at each stage, assessment settings, information to collect, and how to approach informed decision-making.
“The Guideline aims to improve assessment practice and consistency across Australia, and to give clinicians greater clarity and confidence in the accuracy and reliability of diagnostic decisions.”
The National Guideline Implementation Toolkit includes videos, fact sheets, a clinical practice audit tool, template forms and training information. Individuals undergoing an assessment, parents and caregivers can also access resources to learn more about the Guideline and what to expect from the assessment process.
“Ultimately, we want to give clinicians the knowledge and tools to ensure that individuals and families across Australia receive the best possible care,” Professor Whitehouse said.
About the National Guideline
Launched in October 2018, the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism is the first unified approach to the assessment and diagnosis of autism in Australia. It aims to provide greater equity in access to an assessment, transparency and confidence in the decision-making process, and a clearly defined pathway to meet support needs.
The Guideline recommendations have been approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council as representing best practice health care in Australia, and are already being implemented by major diagnostic service providers around the country.
The National Guideline Implementation Toolkit was developed and published by Autism CRC with the financial support of the Australian Government's Department of Social Services.
To access the National Guideline Implementation Toolkit, or to download the Guideline, go to autismcrc.com.au/national-guideline.
