HSE Launches New Standardised Approach to Autism Assessment

The HSE has launched a new Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathway Protocol, introducing a standardised and tiered approach to autism assessment across Ireland for the first time.

The protocol will apply to clinicians working in the HSE, Section 38 and 39 organisations funded by the HSE, and private providers. It was developed with input from people with lived experience, clinicians involved in autism assessments, and staff across disability, primary care, and mental health services.

A key change is the introduction of a tiered approach to assessment, reflecting research evidence that some presentations of autism are easier to identify than others. Teams using the protocol are expected to be able to assess more people in a shorter time.

For the first time, adults will also be able to access an autism assessment through a standardised process. Adults may self-refer, and parents or guardians may refer children if they believe their child has autism.

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley said:

"For the first ever time, there will be a standardised approach to undertaking Autism assessments throughout HSE and HSE-funded service. It is also the first time that adults can get an autism assessment through a standardised process. This represents a significant step forward in how we support Autistic people in Ireland."

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said:

"As Minister for Health I am committed to improving access to services for children and families, and to ensuring that care is delivered as early as possible, as close to home as possible, in line with the principles and goals of Sláintecare. … The Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathways Protocol represents an important step in ensuring that services and staff have the guidance they need to put that goal into practice."

Minister of State with special responsibility for Disability Emer Higgins said:

"For the first time, we have a standardised assessment process across disability, primary care and mental health services, supported by new In-Reach teams to support community-based teams where needed."

HSE CEO Anne O'Connor said:

"The protocol promotes a neuro-affirmative approach to autism, meaning that differences and difficulties associated with autism are also associated with strengths to be valued, supported and built on. … Implementing the protocol in the HSE Health Regions will begin in Quarter 3, supported by in-reach teams working to upskill autism assessment competency and confidence across all community teams to ensure inclusive practice, access and sustainability when supporting autistic people."