The autism diagnostic process in New Zealand

Published February 2021 Updated Final Report with new publications in February 2022.

The New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline (the Guideline) was developed to provide evidence-based good practice in the identification, diagnosis, and ongoing supports for people on the autism spectrum. 

Although there is good awareness of the Guideline in New Zealand, the autism community report some recommendations from the Guideline are not well implemented and little research has evaluated implementation of the Guideline.

We aimed to understand the autism diagnostic process, spanning identification, diagnosis, and ongoing supports, in New Zealand. We also aimed to evaluate implementation of recommendations from the Guideline. 

Results from this research led to recommendations for improving best practice in the identification, diagnosis, and ongoing supports for people on the autism spectrum.