A perspective published in the New England Journal of Medicine argues that prescribing for autistic people should be built around shared decision-making, given the uncertainty clinicians face and the importance of listening to patients and families.
The New England Journal of Medicine has posted a new perspective piece calling for a shift in how medication is managed for autistic people. According to the journal’s post, the authors argue that clinicians must work through genuine uncertainty about drug treatments in autism — and that the experiences of autistic individuals and their families should sit at the heart of that process.
Shared decision-making is put forward as a practical way to handle that uncertainty. Rather than a clinician making a call in isolation, the approach brings the patient and, where appropriate, their family into the conversation as equal partners.
It’s a straightforward idea, but one that doesn’t always happen in practice — especially for autistic people, who may face communication differences or whose accounts of their own experience have historically been underweighted in clinical settings.
The NEJM piece doesn’t prescribe a single solution. Instead, according to the journal, it frames medication management in autism as an ongoing, collaborative process rather than a one-off clinical decision.
For Kent residents and families managing autism-related care through NHS Kent and Medway, the guidance from NHS England is to speak with a GP or specialist if you have concerns about medication. NHS 111 can also advise on next steps if you’re unsure where to turn.
Key information
- Speak to your GP or autism specialist if you have questions about medication management
- NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day for advice on health concerns
- In a mental health crisis, Samaritans can be reached any time on 116 123
Source: @NEJM
Autism Medication Decisions Need to Centre Patient Experience, Says New Medical Journal Piece Quiz
5 questions