The scope of the guideline covers:

• Signs and symptoms that should prompt professionals working with adults and/or their carers to consider the possibility of an autism spectrum condition in adults. These will include signs and symptoms that should trigger referral for specialist assessment.
• Validity, specificity and reliability of the components of diagnostic assessment after referral, including: structure for assessment, including strengths and skills of the individual; diagnostic thresholds; assessment tools, including imaging, genetic and biomedical techniques; risk assessment; the impact of coexisting developmental, mental and physical conditions on the assessment.
• Psychosocial interventions, includingbut not limited to: applied behavioural analysis; cognitive behavioural therapies; social groups; befriending schemes; mentoring; supported employment programmes.
• Pharmacological interventions, including but not limited to: anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics for the treatment of symptoms that may arise from coexisting conditions.
• Physical interventions, such as diet.
• Information and day-to-day support (such as a telephone helpline or advocates) for adults with a suspected autism spectrum condition, and their families and carers, during the process of referral, assessment and diagnosis.
• The organisation and delivery of care, and care pathways for the effective components of treatment and management (including transition planning), based on an ethos of multi-professional working.

This scope of the guideline does not cover:

• Coexisting conditions if an autism spectrum condition is not the primary diagnosis.