What are the current guidelines for the management and follow-up of adults with a diagnosed ASD?

All staff working with autistic adults should work in partnership with autistic adults and, where appropriate, with their families, partners and carers, offering support and care respectfully, and taking time to build a trusting, supportive, empathic and non-judgemental relationship as an essential part of care ².

All health and social care professionals providing care for autistic adults should have an understanding of the nature, development, and course of autism, its impact on personal, social, educational, and occupational functioning, and the impact of the social and physical environment ².

They should aim to foster the person's autonomy, promote active participation in decisions about care, support self-management, maintain continuity of individual relationships where possible, and ensure that comprehensive information about their difficulties and available interventions is accessible in appropriate formats ².

Involvement of family, partners, or carers should be encouraged if the autistic person wishes, with negotiations around confidentiality and sharing of information, and guidance on how they can support the person and their care plans ².

Families, partners, and carers should be given verbal and written information about autism, its management, local support groups, and their right to a carer's assessment ².

Follow-up and ongoing management should include regular review of the individual's needs, support for coexisting mental or physical health conditions, and coordination of care through a multidisciplinary team with appropriate expertise ².