The Feedback Session of an Autism Assessment: A Scoping Review of Clinical Practice Guideline Recommendations

• Published in: Journal of autism and developmental disorders 2022-04, Vol.52 (4), p.1821-1840
• Main Authors: Pattison, Ellen, Ure, Alexandra, Mittiga, Sharon R., Williams, Katrina, Freeman, Nerelie C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Autism; Autism Spectrum Disorder - diagnosis; Autism Spectrum Disorder - therapy; Autistic Disorder - diagnosis; Autistic Disorder - therapy; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Best practice; Child and School Psychology; Clinical assessment; Clinical Diagnosis; Clinical medicine; Clinical practice guidelines; Clinical standards; Delivery Systems; Diagnosis; Disclosure; Evaluation; Feedback; Feedback (Psychology); Feedback (Response); Guidelines; Humans; Individual differences; Medical diagnosis; Methods; Neurosciences; Original Paper; Pediatrics; Pervasive developmental disorders; Practice guidelines (Medicine); Psychology; Public Health
• ISSN: 0162-3257; 1573-3432
• DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05067-9

This review aimed to assess the quality and content of recommendations for delivering an autism diagnosis, published internationally within clinical practice guidelines. Seventeen relevant guidelines were identified. When methodological information was provided, recommendations for feedback were predominantly formed through consensus. Recommendations consistently included who should attend feedback, the timing and mode of delivery, the clinician’s manner, and what should be discussed and/or included in an accompanying report. Specific recommendations were not consistent however, and a number of gaps were identified, such as the inclusion of educators and educational specific recommendations. Although individual variation is necessary for autism diagnosis disclosure, agreement on minimum standards of practice is warranted. Further investigation is required to establish best practice.