In brief
The 2021 guideline summarised British recommendations for health care: professionals should address adults with autism by the name and title the person prefers, explain their profession and role clearly, explain medical matters in an understandable way and make sure they have been understood; planned measures should be explained in a suitable form (language, visualisation, written format), and spatially visual signposts can help. [2, Ch. C.3.1] It also stressed continuity in personal care and knowledge of the condition among everyone involved. [2, Ch. C.3.1, Rec. 7] The studies on access to care came in the guideline mostly from other countries.
This English translation was produced with AI assistance and has not yet been independently reviewed.
Status of the guideline: This article uses the S3 guideline on therapy (2021). It expired on 23.03.2026. [1] The statements are not automatically wrong, but they are not backed by a valid guideline. Most of the points named here come from the German guideline’s summary of British guidelines (NICE).
Addressing and explanations
From the British guidelines (adults), summarised in the German guideline: health professionals should address adults with autism by the name and title the person prefers; it should be easy and unambiguous for patients, partners, families and carers to recognise them, they should explain clearly their profession and tasks, explain medical matters in an understandable way and make sure these have been understood. [2, Ch. C.3.1, p. 26] Patients should be informed about planned interventions in a form suitable for them (for example language, visualisation, written format). [2, Ch. C.3.1, pp. 25–26] For children and adolescents it is necessary to communicate appropriately and adapt to their language level. [2, Ch. C.3.1, p. 26]
Rooms and routines
It was recommended to pay attention also to external, spatial conditions, for example through visual signposts and orientation aids. [2, Ch. C.3.1, p. 26] The guideline further named as helpful in everyday interaction structuring the environment and routines (visual means, predictability, consistency of people), maintaining physical distance and avoiding strong sensory stimuli such as noise, smell or light. [2, Rec. 3] As conditions that people with autism expect from care, it named regular structures (time, place, people) and a low-stimulus environment. [2, Rec. 4] More on interaction: Adapting therapy and counselling in autism: notes for professionals, Structuring and visualisation in practice; the patient side: Preparing well for doctor visits and hospital stays in autism.
Continuity and cooperation
The British guideline for adults stressed reliable continuity in personal care, the greatest possible autonomy and participation and good knowledge of local support structures, including self-help. [2, Ch. C.3.1, pp. 25–26] The guideline called for prompt clarification and secured funding; a diagnosis or, in the preschool years, a suspected diagnosis from a specialised service is sufficient to initiate cross-sector care. [2, Rec. 5] In addition, professionals should, as the guideline stated for children and adolescents, perceive patients as individuals and not “only” as people with autism. [2, Ch. C.3.1] On cooperation in the team: Cooperating with families.
Knowledge and attitude
According to the guideline, all people in the health and social system who work with people with autism should have sound knowledge of the condition and of the needs of those affected and relatives. [2, Rec. 7] A respectful, trusting, partnership-based, empathetic and unbiased relationship was stressed. [2, Ch. C.3.1, p. 25] For adults, the guideline also stated that professionals should be sensitive to needs for personal and sexual contact and know that difficulties in social interaction can increase the risk of misunderstandings and exploitation; some adults have no sexual needs. [2, Ch. C.3.1, p. 26]
What do we know – what is still open?
Consensus-based (guideline, British recommendations): All the points named are recommendations from expert consensus or British guidelines. [2, Ch. C.3.1, Rec. 3, 4, 5, 7]
Open:
- The studies screened on access to health care related, according to the guideline, to other countries, to diagnosis or to health economics; three relevant studies (from the USA) were presented. [2, Ch. C.3.2]
- Whether and how the adjustments named affect outcomes or satisfaction, the editorial team has not evaluated.
- The recommendations concern in part adults, in part children; transfer to other groups has not been checked.
What else you should know
- Crises and emergencies: Crises and challenging situations: acting in a de-escalating way; the guideline recommended individual crisis plans: What helps in a meltdown?.
- Integration assistance in hospital: Preparing well for doctor visits and hospital stays in autism.
- Advice for patients: Finding independent advice: what the EUTB does.
Note: This article offers general information. It does not replace professional further training, supervision or personal advice.
Sources and literature
- DGKJP. Aktuelle Leitlinien (Einträge 028-018 „Gültig bis 04.04.2021“ und 028-047 „Gültig bis 23.03.2026“). https://www.dgkjp.de/wissen/aktuelle-leitlinien/ – Professional society (website in German)
- DGKJP, DGPPN et al. Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen im Kindes-, Jugend- und Erwachsenenalter. Teil 2: Therapie. S3-Leitlinie, AWMF-Reg.-Nr. 028-047, Stand Text 02.05.2021. – Guideline (in German); expired on 23 March 2026
You might also be interested in
Knowledge articleProfessionals & practice
Adapting therapy and counselling in autism: notes for professionals
Knowledge articleProfessionals & practice
Autism in nursery: notes for professionals
Knowledge articleProfessionals & practice
Pupils with autism in lessons
Knowledge articleProfessionals & practice
School support workers: role, tasks, limits
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.