Table 1.

Checklist of approaches to post-diagnostic management of ASD

1. Etiological testing for associated medical conditions □ Physical and neurological exam □ Hearing assessment (with formal audiology assessment, if indicated) □ Vision assessment □ Dental assessment □ Genetic testing, if indicated (e.g., chromosomal microarray) □ Metabolic testing, if indicated

2. Assessment and management of co-morbid conditions. Refer to specialists when appropriate. □ Gastrointestinal conditions □ Nutrition □ Sleep □ Anxiety, depression, and other mood and psychiatric disorders □ ADHD □ Other child-specific conditions

3. Other assessments and therapies that address ASD-associated functional challenges □ Speech-language therapy □ Psycho-educational assessment □ Occupational therapy □ Physical therapy □ Individualized educational supports

4. Behavioural and developmental interventions for core and associated features of ASD. Refer to specialists when appropriate. □ Become familiar with available community programs □ Provide information about essential components and effectiveness of treatment interventions and programs □ Facilitate enrolment into behavioural and developmental intervention programs (therapist-delivered or parent-mediated approaches)

5. Management of challenging behaviours □ Offer anticipatory guidance on safety issues (e.g., wandering, bolting, vulnerability to bullying or abuse) □ Identify and assess target behaviours □ Assess existing and available supports including behavioural and developmental interventions described above □ Offer first- or second-line treatment, as appropriate □ Refer for parent training

6. CAM approaches □ Become familiar with CAM therapies □ Inquire and provide guidance about using CAM therapies

7. Family and other support interventions □ Provide parents with educational resources about ASD and local community supports □ Provide information about in-home supports and interventions and help with securing respite care and social assistance □ Inquire about family and sibling support and parental physical and mental health issues and unmet needs, and refer appropriately □  Assist with application for the Disability Tax Credit, and provide information regarding opening a Registered Disability Savings Plan □ Advocate for local services and education programs □ Obtain and share information, with parental consent, with schools, program staff, and health and social service personnel (especially during major transition periods)

ADHD Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; ASD Autism spectrum disorder; CAM Complementary and alternative medicine.