Summary
The protocol presents autism spectrum disorders as a heterogeneous group of developmental conditions characterized by persistent differences in social interaction and communication together with restricted, repetitive interests, activities, or patterns of behavior. Signs usually emerge in infancy or early childhood, but symptom intensity, language and intellectual abilities, independence, and the level of required support vary substantially. Relevant characteristics may persist throughout life.
Diagnosis is clinical and multidisciplinary. It includes a detailed developmental history from parents, direct observation, and assessment of communication, play, behavior, language, intellectual development, adaptive skills, and co-occurring conditions. M-CHAT-R/F, SCQ, and CASD are described as screening tools. Standardized ADOS-2 and ADI-R assessments can improve diagnostic accuracy but do not replace formal clinical judgment. Hearing assessment is recommended when speech is delayed, and genetic investigation is planned individually. Routine EEG, CT, or MRI is not recommended solely to establish autism unless additional neurological indications are present.
No medicine is approved to change the core features of autism. The main interventions are early, individualized, sustained behavioral, educational, and psychological programs delivered by trained professionals with active parent involvement. The protocol discusses intensive approaches based on applied behavior analysis, developmental and naturalistic interventions, and work on communication, language, play, social participation, adaptive behavior, and everyday skills. Medication is reserved for selected co-occurring conditions or severe challenging behavior and requires safety monitoring. The document notes insufficient evidence for numerous alternative diets and procedures and specifically advises against chelation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Continuous habilitation, regular reassessment, and family support are emphasized over short “treatment courses.” This is a summary of the official protocol and not individualized medical advice.