Update information

Update information

June 2021: We amended recommendation 1.2.3 to clarify that when the Autism-Spectrum Quotient – 10 items (AQ-10) is used to assess for possible autism, the score at which the person should be offered a comprehensive assessment is 6 or above. Throughout the guideline we changed 'people with autism' to 'autistic people', 'challenging behaviour' to 'behaviour that challenges', and 'symptoms' to 'features' to align with current terminology.

August 2016: The following recommendations for research have been removed:

  • What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of CBT for the treatment of moderate and severe anxiety disorders in autistic adults?

  • What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment of moderate and severe depression in autistic adults?

Minor changes since publication

January 2023: We have updated the link to the Autism-Spectrum Quotient – 10 items (AQ-10) tool.

March 2022: We have changed the description of psychologists in recommendation 1.1.13, in line with current practice and the British Psychological Society's best practice in psychology recruitment.

July 2020: We linked to the NICE guideline on supporting adult carers in recommendations 1.1.17, 1.7.1 and 1.7.2.

October 2015: Title changed from 'Autism: recognition, referral, diagnosis and management of adults on the autism spectrum' to 'Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis and management', for clarity and consistency with other guidance on this topic.

ISBN: 978-1-4731-2039-6

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)