Table 1.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Documents with guidance-based status for HCPs working in secondary care in the UK; or were published papers, aimed at HCPs, with the aim of reviewing CPGs

Documents related to autism diagnosis and assessment for either children, adults or both

Documents produced either by or through government or professional clinical bodies or published in a journal aimed at HCPs

Documents related to diagnosis and assessment in UK (England, Scotland, Wales and N Ireland)

Documents dated from 2009 (reflecting publication of the first UK specific Autism Act) or were the most recent CPG published by a key professional body

Exclusion Criteria

Documents related solely to referral, treatment, prognosis or support services

Reviews of diagnostic criteria and other academic papers

Guidelines related to primary care as we were interested in diagnosis rather than referral

Narrative reviews, editorials and opinions

Documents related to parliament or legislature; national or regional strategies as they are not the primary source for clinicians

Local guidance

Guidance provided by private providers of diagnostic services

International professional body guidelines (other than ICD/DSM)