{
  "abstract": "Referrals for children presenting with social, communication and behavioural differences have risen sharply in recent years, creating unprecedented demand for autism assessments. Waiting times now frequently exceed 2 years, placing considerable strain on diagnostic services and families. While autism is common, many children presenting with these differences have alternative or co-occurring explanations that require timely recognition and tailored support. This article presents a practical child-centred framework to guide clinicians involved in early assessment or referral decision-making when diagnostic uncertainty exists. It also supports earlier and more equitable access to strengths and needs informed care, regardless of diagnostic outcome.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Children's Community Services, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Claire Elizabeth Stewart"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Joy Keenan"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "King’s College London, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Anjolaoluwa Awe"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "King’s College London, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "George Phillips"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Children's Community Services, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Lilly Kroll"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Children's Community Services, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Stacy John-Legere"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Children's Community Services, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Narad Mathura"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Children's Community Services, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Ajay Sharma"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Fifteen-minute consultation: Is it autism—or something else? A practical clinical guide",
  "uid": "8a0dec34-482d-5a26-87ef-c5ba82b64b42"
}