Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans there are for the NHS to make available a blood and urine test for autism.

There are no current plans for the National Health Service to offer a blood and urine test for autism.

Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are responsible for commissioning autism services, including diagnostic services, to meet the requirements of their population. In doing so, CCGs need to ensure that the services they provide are fit for purpose, reflect the needs of the local population, are based on the available evidence and take into account national guidelines.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent expert body responsible for developing robust guidance for the NHS to support it in designing autism services, including diagnostic services that are in line with the best available evidence. NICE routinely reviews its guidance to ensure it reflects the latest evidence.