The NICE guideline on recognition, referral, diagnosis and management of adults on the autism spectrum C. Ellie Wilson, Ged Roberts, Nicola Gillan, Chris Ohlsen, Dene Robertson and Janneke Zinkstok Dr C. Ellie Wilson is a Post Doctoral Research Worker and Nicola Gillan is a Clinical Researcher, both are based at Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, UK. Ged Roberts is a Specialist Nurse, based at Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK and Autism Spectrum Service Institution, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, Bristol, UK. Dr Chris Ohlsen is a Staff Grade Psychiatrist and Dr Dene Robertson is a Consultant Psychiatrist, both are based at Adult Autism Service and Behavioural Genetics Clinic, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. Dr Janneke Zinkstok is a Consultant Psychiatrist, based at Adult Autism Service and Behavioural Genetics Clinic, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK and Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, UK. Abstract Purpose – This paper aims to provide an overview of the recent National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) clinical guidance for diagnosis and treatment of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to discuss clinical and practical implications. Design/methodology/approach – This is a summary and discussion of the NICE guidance for adults with autism. This includes discussion of relevant related guidance, the need for transition services for young people with ASD, education of professionals, applicability of the guidance to people with intellectual disabilities and challenges related to implementation of the guidance in a changing National Health Service. Findings – The guidance provides an excellent overview of current and state-of-the-art strategies for diagnosis and treatment of ASD-related behaviours, and their level of evidence. In terms of diagnosis, the main recommendation for clinicians is to carry out a comprehensive assessment for adults with suspected autism, taking into account co-morbid mental health problems and potential unmet needs. In addition, NICE makes recommendations regarding pharmacological and psychological interventions and these are discussed. The guidance also makes specific recommendations regarding service design, for example the formation of Autism Strategy Groups. This will hopefully support the development of specialist adult autism services. Originality/value – This paper provides new insights into the implications of the recently published NICE clinical guidance for autism in adults, relevant for health care professionals, service managers and service users. Keywords Management, Autism, Assessment, Adults, Guidance, NICE Paper type General review 1. Introduction In June 2012 the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published clinical guidance on the recognition, referral, diagnosis and management of adults on the autism spectrum (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2012). Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a life-long neurodevelopmental condition that is diagnosed when difficulties in social interaction and communication co-occur with restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests. Prevalence has been estimated at 1 per cent of the population (Baron-Cohen et al., 2009). Symptom type and severity varies widely between individuals on the autistic spectrum; level of disability and development of secondary problems also vary enormously. Therefore, guidance for diagnosis and management of ASD need to accommodate this range and variety of difficulties, allowing service users and professionals to extract the information of relevance to any individual. DOI 10.1108/AMHID-05-2013-0035 VOL. 8 NO. 1 2014, pp. 3-14, C Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2044-1282 j ADVANCES IN MENTAL HEALTH AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES j PAGE 3