Guideline for intervention and rehabilitation in children with autism spectrum disorder (2026 edition)

On September 22, 2026, the National Health Commission released the "Guideline for intervention and rehabilitation in children with autism spectrum disorder (2026 edition)". The guideline applies to intervention and rehabilitation services for children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD) under 18 years of age. It establishes eight basic principles, namely early intervention, individualized intervention, comprehensive intervention, evidence-based practice, long-term and high-intensity intervention, primary-level care as the mainstay, family participation, and social inclusion and support, and specifies that the optimal treatment window is before 6 years of age and that intervention should be provided for at least 20 hours per week. It covers health education, intervention for developmental deficits, intervention for challenging behaviors, family intervention, digital and intelligent intervention and rehabilitation, and follow-up.