Autism Spectrum Disorders

AutismBackground

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are diagnosed when a child or adult has impairments in social interaction and social communication together with impaired social imagination and a narrow repetitive pattern of activities and interests. The term ‘autism spectrum disorder’ is a broad term that refers to the subgroups known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). These subgroups include Childhood Autism, Asperger syndrome, and other autism spectrum disorders, all of which are defined by the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders. Research evidence indicates that 1 in 100 individuals has an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in the UK. (Source: Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Primary Healthcare Settings WAG December 2010).
 

Policy Context

The Welsh Assembly Government, with assistance from Autism Cymru, the National Autistic Society (Cymru), the Social Services Improvement Agency (SSIA) and other agencies, together with families and individuals with ASD, have produced ASD Awareness Raising Packages as part of the Autistic Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan for Wales.

The Action Plan will drive improvements across services for children, young people and adults in health, social services and education services. It will also expand into areas of housing, leisure and society in general.  

Services

Speech and Language Therapy is involved in the diagnostic process and ongoing management of Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Aneurin Bevan Health Board has published a Patient Information Leaflet for Parents & Carers of individuals with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome

This website is intended to provide Speech & Language Therapists with a ‘virtual’ meeting place where they can share ideas and concerns, seek information and support from colleagues, and access opportunities for Continuing Professional Development.

Provides impartial and confidential information, advice and support to people with autism and their families Tel: 0848 0704004

Help is a programme of information, advice and support for parents and carers whose children have received a diagnosis of an ASD.Tel: 01179748411Help! Web Site

Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders are offered a service by specialist CAMHS in Powys

 

Reports

This report was prepared by the Universities of Bangor and Glamorgan. It was commissioned by the Welsh Assembly Government and published in February 2010.

The report of the adults with autism conference held on 10th and 11th June 2010.

 

  
Evidence

See what your doctor can see with Map of Medicine Healthguides

Cochrane Reviews are unique because they are both produced by, and are relevant to, everyone interested in the effects of health care.

NHS Evidence is a service that provides easy access to specially selected high quality clinical and non-clinical information about health and social care.

Research

The Learning Disabilities and Autism Network aims to provide the infrastructure to support large scale, high quality research into the health and social care of people with learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorders.

Statistics

A survey carried out by the Office for National Statistics on behalf of the Department of Health and the Scottish Executive.



Resources

Autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) are a range of related developmental disorders that begin in childhood and persist throughout adulthood. Link to NHS Direct Wales Autistic spectrum disorder - Health Encyclopaedia
Explains the importance of using different teaching methods and strategies when dealing with autistic students. pdf file A guide for practitioners working in secondary schools, further and higher education colleges In Wales
(PDF, 1 MB) 10/02/11
This document helps identify the different housing needs and the support available. pdf file Information for practitioners who have an interest in developing property or services for housing and / or day opportunities
(PDF, 1 MB) 10/02/11
This document discusses the implications and potential difficulties when treating autistic patients. pdf file Information for dentists and opticians in Wales
(PDF, 950 KB) 10/02/11
Providing help and advice to support autistic people find paid employment. pdf file Employment and work related issues in Wales
(PDF, 970 KB) 10/02/11
People with autism, whether diagnosed or not, often experience difficulties in accessing health care services. This document identifies the key areas. pdf file Primary healthcare settings
(PDF, 881 KB) 10/02/11
Outlines how children with autism experience the world around them. pdf file A guide for practitioners working in pre-school / primary / special school settings in Wales
(PDF, 1 MB) 10/02/11
Explaining the different types of advocacy and the situations in which they are employed pdf file A guide for practitioners working in advocacy services in Wales
(PDF, 1013 KB) 10/02/11
Helping families understand, support and care for an autistic family member pdf file A resource for families in Wales
(PDF, 1 MB) 10/02/11
Helps identify the main areas where family support is needed. pdf file A guide for practitioners providing family support in Wales
(PDF, 958 KB) 10/02/11
Document designed to help older people with autism get the most appropriate treatment. pdf file A guide for people working with older adults
(PDF, 898 KB) 10/02/11
Explains the difficulties autistic people face when they are part of the criminal justice system pdf file A guide for criminal justice system practitioners in Wales
(PDF, 1 MB) 10/02/11