UK. Problems with diagnosis of autism

Citation

(2003), "UK. Problems with diagnosis of autism", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 16 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijhcqa.2003.06216dab.008

UK. Problems with diagnosis of autism

UK

Problems with diagnosis of autism

Keywords: Autism, Diagnosing, Primary care

Despite seeing increasing numbers of patients with autism, many GPs feel that they lack the skills and training needed to identify these patients, according to research.

A survey by The National Autistic Society (NAS) found that 82 per cent of GPs had seen a patient with confirmed or suspected autism in the past 12 months. About two-thirds said that the number of patients with autism on their lists had increased in the past five years. However, about 42 per cent of GPs reported that they did not have enough information to make an informed assessment about the likelihood of a patient having autism.

The research revealed that families with a child or adult who has autism might have difficulty finding the right specialist help. About 13 per cent of GPs said they would not know how or where to refer a patient and 41 per cent were not aware of local support and information resources. GPs were not confident about the referral process as a whole, with 33 per cent feeling that the diagnostic process was likely to take over a year and 36 per cent believing that the referral process for autism in their area did not operate smoothly and efficiently.

NAS is concerned that many people with autism are being denied access to the health, educational and social services that could increase their ability to live independently.

The organisation is also worried that people with autism are missing out on effective ongoing primary care because of the lack of awareness of health issues specific to their condition. The society warns that with an average patient list of 2,000, GPs could expect to have 18 patients with autism, and should be equipped with the knowledge of how to treat these individuals.

Steve Broach, head of policy and campaigns at the NAS, said: "The NAS would like to see government-sponsored guidance for GPs and other primary care professionals working with people with autism.

"Autism-awareness training should be integrated into the curriculum for student doctors and become a mandatory part of GP continuing professional development. And Primary Care Trusts should be responsible for training all primary care professionals in autism awareness and developing better mechanisms for informing GPs about referral and local support services."