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Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline

This section provides information about the development and implementation of the New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline.

Implementation of the NZ Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline continues based on the priorities agreed between the Ministries of Health and Education following consultation with the Implementation Advisory Group, the ASD Intersectoral Advisory Group, and a group of senior officials from a range of government departments. The priority areas are assessment and diagnosis, support to strengthen families, interventions, respite and coordination of services.

The appointment of Developmental Coordinators within DHBs is a new initiative. This function will focus on the referral and assessment processes for children and young people with developmental concerns. Contracting with the successful DHBs for the developmental coordination function are about to start.

The evaluation of the requests for proposals to provide ASD specific Behaviour Support in regions outside of Auckland is now complete. The Ministry requires more time to work through the policy and budget implications associated with the responses. A decision has been made to approach some of the potential providers of the services for further information in a number of areas.

The Werry Centre has delivered a 3 day course for ASD specialists. Some changes will need to be made to the training material before the next training course is finalised. It is anticipated the next training sessions will be held before December 2010.

The ASD resources, specifically the website for recognisers and referrers is now live. To compliment the website, the Quick reference cards are available to order, and the Recogniser’s card has been translated into Te Reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan and Cook Island Māori.

The evaluation of the two ASD specific parent education programmes is scheduled to begin by the end of August with the final report required by 1 November 2010.

The Implementation Advisory Group (IAG) has had its final meeting, and the workplan for the new ASD Expert Advisory Group has been signed off by the Ministry of Education.

In this section

Publication

Resource

Resources to help health and education practitioners recognise signs and symptoms of possible ASD, and decide what action to take.

Page last updated: 12 November 2010