Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Publication Date: February 1, 2014
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Recommendations

Assessment

The developmental assessment of young children and the psychiatric assessment of all children should routinely include questions about ASD symptomatology. (CS)
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If the screening indicates significant ASD symptomatology, a thorough diagnostic evaluation should be performed to determine the presence of ASD. (CS)
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Clinicians should coordinate an appropriate multidisciplinary assessment of children with ASD. (CS)
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Treatment

The clinician should help the family obtain appropriate, evidence-based, and structured educational and behavioral interventions for children with ASD. (CS)
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Pharmacotherapy may be offered to children with ASD when there is a specific target symptom or comorbid condition. (CG)
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The clinician should maintain an active role in long-term treatment planning and family support and support of the individual. (CG)
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Clinicians should specifically inquire about the use of alternative/complementary treatments and be prepared to discuss their risk and potential benefits. (CS)
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Recommendation Grading

Overview

Title

Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authoring Organization

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Publication Month/Year

February 1, 2014

Last Updated Month/Year

August 24, 2023

Supplemental Implementation Tools

Document Type

Guideline

External Publication Status

Published

Country of Publication

US

Inclusion Criteria

Male, Female, Adolescent, Child

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory, Childcare center, School

Intended Users

Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant, psychologist

Scope

Counseling, Assessment and screening, Treatment

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D000067877 - Autism Spectrum Disorder

Keywords

autism, developmental disorders, pervasive developmental disorders

Supplemental Methodology Resources

Data Supplement

Methodology

Number of Source Documents
164
Literature Search Start Date
March 1, 1991
Literature Search End Date
March 19, 2013