Authors' recommendations: The GDG worked diligently in order to demonstrate which interventions are meaningful to improve the lives of children and young people with autism and their families. The problems faced by children and adolescents with autism, caretakers and families are complex. The organizations in six domains as proposed by NICE is helpful in order to evaluate the effect of a particular intervention in a particular domain. We adhered to the strict rules of EBM and found that there is very little evidence, based on RCTs, for any type of intervention. However based on the available evidence it was possible to identity methods that are more promising than others and to make research recommendations. The GDG has discussed extensively to formulate recommendations based on published evidence, on expert consensus provided by NICE and HAS and on their own experiences in the Belgian context. The research questions addressed whether care should be different for immigrant children. This question could not be answered as there was no information in the guidelines we adapted. The questions was addressed indirectly in the recommendations that state that care should be equally accessible to everyone. GDG members strongly felt that practical and pragmatic solutions tailored to the individual situation should be offered to children and adolescents with autism and their families. It was stressed that in everyday life the biggest challenges are aggressive behaviour, associated medical conditions and sexuality. The recommendations made by the GDG are comprehensive and address these particular areas. We believe that the GDG recommendations offer a solid base for orienting care, improving existing structures or creating new ones within the available logistic context. In order to ensure a proper implementation of the recommendations a strong educational foundation of professionals is needed. Consequently, this should be a continuous priority for investment.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2014

URL for published report: http://kce.fgov.be/sites/default/files/page_documents/KCE_233_Autism_Report.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Belgium

Organisation Name: Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre

Contact Address: Administrative Centre Botanique, Doorbuilding (10th floor), Boulevard du Jardin Botanique 55, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium tel: +32 2 287 33 88 fax: +32 2 287 33 85

Contact Name: info@kce.fgov.be

Contact Email: info@kce.fgov.be

Copyright: Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre (KCE)