Here you can find out about examples of diagnostic pathways that have already been set up. The forthcoming NICE guideline will set out a model care pathway(s), which will form the foundation for local commissioners to develop referral and care pathways in their areas. This guidance will not be available until 2012. In the interim, this information is intended as a guide to diagnostic pathways already in existence.
This section highlights two different diagnostic pathways, these being:
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The Liverpool Asperger Team
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Bristol Autism Spectrum Service
If you are thinking of setting up a diagnostic pathway, read Lorna Wing and Judith Gould’s considerations here.
These two examples of diagnostic pathways offer differing approaches but both offer the potential for developing diagnostic services and are possible frameworks for developing these types of pathways in other areas. Information sharing, strong leadership and joint working are going to be key in developing any new diagnostic pathways and in avoiding costly out-of-area purchasing of diagnostic services.
These two diagnostic pathways have been highlighted as part of The National Autistic Society and Department of Health Autism Strategy Implementation Project. We welcome other local authorities and services that have developed their own diagnostic pathways to get in touch here in order for us to highlight these pathways on the website.
To find diagnostic services in your area, visit www.autism.org.uk/directory