New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline - Ministry of Health

Part 4: Treatment and management of ASD
Because of concern about the experiences of people with ASD as mental health inpatients, alternatives
to inpatient care have been recommended 39 . Crisis services have been recommended that involve staff
trained in ASD and that contain timely and flexible systems that are able to adapt to the needs of the
person in crisis and minimise the need for in-patient care 39 (Good Practice Point 4.7.3). Other additional
characteristics of ideal crisis services include:
• systems that reduce external pressure, perhaps by reducing choices, providing structure and
avoiding confrontation or arguing
• community-based homes, if out-of-home placement is needed rather than in-patient facilities
• staff teams that visit people with ASD in their own homes, and are also accessible to families
• consistent approaches and clear communication within services, and between the service and
other relevant agencies (ie, mental health specialists, police, probation, youth offending, lawyers)
• a training role with other relevant agencies to ensure that they are appropriately responsive to
people with ASD 39 (Good Practice Point 4.7.3).
Part 4
New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline 159