Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru	National Assembly for Wales
Bil Awtistiaeth (Cymru) drafft	Draft Autism (Wales) Bill
Llythyr Ymgynghori DAB16	Consultation Letter DAB16
Ymateb gan Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Caerdydd a'r Fro – Maetheg a Deieteg	Evidence from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board – Nutrition and Dietetics

Please refer to questions in the Consultation Letter.

Question

Answer

No – The NICE guidelines outline the key individuals that can support a diagnostic assessment.

However in addition to the multiagency team described in NICE guidance the inclusion of specialist dietetics input is essential for the proper care of this client group”.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg142/chapter/1-Guidance sections below highlight that a Dietitian has a role to play. In addition to the NICE Guidance a dietitian would be a key member of the team particularly post diagnosis across the whole life cycle including supporting, parents or carers of autistic children and adults and working with autistic adults.

1.1.9 All health and social care professionals providing care and support for adults with autism should: be aware of under-reporting and under-recognition of physical disorders in people with autism be vigilant for unusual likes and dislikes about food and/or lack of physical activity offer advice about the beneficial effects of a healthy diet and exercise, taking into account any hyper- and/or hypo-sensory sensitivities; if necessary, support referral to a GP or dietician.

1.1.13 In each area a specialist community-based multidisciplinary team for adults with autism (the specialist autism team) should be established. The membership should include: clinical psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, speech and language therapists, support staff (for example, staff supporting access to housing, educational and employment services, financial advice, and personal and community safety skills).

Further to this, I would like to add that by including a Dietitian as part of the core autistic team would support Community Mental Health Services, Child and Mental Health Services and Eating Disorder services. This specialist role would help the differentiation between typical Eating Disorders and Avoidant / Restricted Food Intake Disorder (DSM V). This would reduce the negative impact on autistic people being funnelled into services that are not quite set up to meet their needs.