Change in methods and members of the multidisciplinary team (MST) available for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment between 2001 and 2007
| 2001 (%) | 2007 (%)* | |
|---|---|---|
| Team approach | ||
| CDTs using MDT approach to ASD diagnostic assessment† | 48 | 93 |
| Joint clinics with child mental health services | 34 | 57 |
| Professional | ||
| Educational psychologist | 3 | 66 |
| Occupational therapist | − | 54 |
| Clinical psychologist | 47 | 53 |
| Specialist teacher | − | 52 |
| Child psychiatrist | 22 | 42 |
| Physiotherapist | − | 40 |
| Social worker | 15 | 30 |
| Dietitian | − | 23 |
| Family support worker+ | 2 | 22 |
| Learning disability psychiatrist | 3 | 15 |
− Data unavailable from 2001; + parent counsellor in 2001.
↵* % For each professional discipline, not number of sessions funded for the discipline. Many responders commented on lack of availability of particular professional groups.
↵† At least speech and language therapist (SLT) and paediatrician. CDT, child development team.