I work as a professional with people with autism
Notes, basics and sources for professionals in nursery, school, therapy, counselling and practice.
Where do I stand?
You work with people on the autism spectrum in nursery, school, counselling, therapy, medicine or social work. This page brings together articles that give you basics and practical notes, each with sources and the state of the evidence. It replaces neither further training nor professional supervision.
Typical questions
- Which principles apply when interacting? For everyday interaction, the 2021 S3 guideline named non-verbal initiation of contact, concrete and direct communication, structure of the environment and routines, physical distance and avoiding strong stimuli. [1, Rec. 3] The guideline expired on 23.03.2026. [2] More: Adapting therapy and counselling
- How do I shape nursery and lessons? Autism in nursery: notes for professionals, Pupils with autism in lessons
- How do I prepare doctor visits or hospital stays? Preparing doctor visits and hospital stays well
- How does assessment work, and what can the methods do? How an autism assessment works, ADOS-2, ADI-R and screening
- How do I assess studies and guidelines? How good is a study?, The S3 guidelines on autism
- How do I recognise dubious offers? Recognising controversial and dubious offers
- What about co-occurring conditions and medication? Common co-occurring conditions, medication in autism, Psychotherapy in autism
First steps
- Secure the basics. What is autism? and What support helps?
- Know the responsibilities. Understanding the support system and school support workers.
- Refer families and those affected onward. The EUTB, the directory of contact points and the checklists & templates (all in German).
- Further training. The Bundesverband autismus Deutschland names training programmes on its website (in German).
- Keep the state of the evidence in view. Both German S3 guidelines on autism have expired. [2]
Terms
S3 guideline · Evidence · Systematic review and meta-analysis · Autism-specific therapy · Co-occurring condition
Sources and literature
- DGKJP/DGPPN et al.: Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen im Kindes-, Jugend- und Erwachsenenalter, Teil 2: Therapie. Interdisziplinäre S3-Leitlinie, AWMF-Reg.-Nr. 028-047, Langversion, Stand Text 02.05.2021. https://register.awmf.org/assets/guidelines/028-047l_S3_Autismus-Spektrum-Stoerungen-Kindes-Jugend-Erwachsenenalter-Therapie_2021-04_1.pdf
- DGKJP: Aktuelle Leitlinien (Übersicht mit AWMF-Registernummer und Gültigkeitsdatum). https://www.dgkjp.de/wissen/aktuelle-leitlinien/
Articles for you
Knowledge articleAssessment & diagnosis
Diagnostic criteria for autism: DSM-5 and ICD-11 explained
Knowledge articleTherapies & support
Recognising controversial and dubious offers
Knowledge articleTherapies & support
Behavioural early interventions (ABA, ESDM): evidence and criticism
Knowledge articleScience & research
The S3 guidelines on autism: content and validity status
Knowledge articlePathways & orientation
Severe disability at work: rights, protection against dismissal and equivalent status
Knowledge articlePathways & orientation
Severe disability card and degree of disability for autism
Support near you
You will find assessment centres, counselling and self-help in the directory of services.
Found a mistake?
If something is factually wrong, out of date or unclear, let us know. You do not have to give any personal details.