Nice advocates collaborative approach to support services for autistic children

In its latest guidance, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Nice) states such multi-disciplinary teams would help to tackle an increasing demand for services and better target support for families.

Referred to by Nice as "autism multi-agency strategy groups", the health guidance body has said they should have "managerial, commissioner and clinical representation" from across children’s and mental health, carers groups, schools, charities and social care. Parent representatives also need to be involved in running the groups.

Others involved should include an adolescent psychiatrist, speech and language therapist and a clinical or educational psychologist.

Under this model, each child with a diagnosis should have a case coordinator. Assessments should also focus on social and communications skill, behaviour and the child’s strengths. This needs to be shared with the child’s school.

It is estimated that at least one in 100 children is autistic.

Dr Fergus Macbeth, Nice director of the centre for clinical practice, said: "The recommendations emphasise the importance of local organisations, such as the NHS, local authorities and schools, working together to help ensure children and young people with autism as well as their parents or carers are able to access the support they need."