Pharmacy’s neuro-affirming approach to autism

CPD

Chloe Hava

26 February 2000

References

Merck Manual Professional Version. Overview of learning disorders. 2024. Available from: www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/learning-and-developmental-disorders/overview-of-learning-disorders?query=neurodevelopment%20disorders
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed. Washington (DC): American Psychiatric Publishing; 2022.
Merck Manual Professional Version. Autism spectrum disorder. 2025. Available from: www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/learning-and-developmental-disorders/autism-spectrum-disorder
Therapeutic Guidelines. Autism spectrum disorder. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines; 2021.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. Autism in Australia 2022. 2024. Available from: www.abs.gov.au/articles/autism-australia-2022
Bertilsdotter Rosqvist H, Pearson A, Pavlopoulou G, et al. The social model in autism research. Autism. 2025;29(9):2201–2204.
Autism Spectrum Australia. At least 1 in 40 Australians are autistic: new estimate by Aspect on World Autism Understanding Day. 2024. Available from: www.aspect.org.au/news/at-least-1-in-40-australians-are-autistic
Therapeutic Guidelines. Autism spectrum disorder. eTG complete. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines; 2021.
Trollor J, Arnold S, Walker SE. Australian Longitudinal Study of Autism in Adulthood (ALSAA): final report. Brisbane: Autism CRC; 2022.
Rasheed Z. Autism in Australia: understanding, challenges, and support. Int J Health Sci. 2023;17(5):1–4.
Lai M-C, Amestoy A, Bishop S, et al. Improving autism identification and support for individuals assigned female at birth: clinical suggestions and research priorities. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2023;7(12):897–908.
National Autistic Society. Masking. 2026. Available from: www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour/masking
Ostrowski J, Religioni U, Gellert B, et al. Autism spectrum disorders: etiology, epidemiology, and challenges for public health. Med Sci Monit. 2024;30.
Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. Autism: an evidence brief. 2025. Available from: https://aahms.org/policy/evidence-brief-on-autism
Love C, Sominsky L, O’Hely M, et al. Prenatal environmental risk factors for autism spectrum disorder and their potential mechanisms. BMC Med. 2024;22.
Ahlqvist VH, Sjöqvist H, Dalman C, et al. Acetaminophen use during pregnancy and children’s risk of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability. JAMA. 2024;331(14):1205–1214.
de Lara I, Wagner P, Matheus G, et al. Association of prenatal exposure to antiseizure medication with risk of autism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Seizure. 2025;130:41–47.
Government of South Australia Office for Autism. Pathways for assessment and diagnosis. 2023. Available from: www.officeforautism.sa.gov.au/autism/pathways-for-diagnosis
Autism Awareness Australia. Understanding and accessing the NDIS. 2024. Available from: www.autismawareness.com.au/navigating-autism/understanding-and-accessing-the-ndis-for-autism
Estrin GL, Milner V, Spain D, et al. Barriers to autism spectrum disorder diagnosis for young women and girls: a systematic review. Rev J Autism Dev Disord. 2021;8(4):454–470.
Allen-Meares P, Lowry B, Estrella ML, et al. Health literacy barriers in the health care system: barriers and opportunities for the profession. Health Soc Work. 2020;45(1):62–64.
Khalil A, Yatcilla J, Christie N, et al. A systematic review of help-seeking barriers for racial-ethnic minority caregivers accessing autism diagnostic and intervention services. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2025.
Flannery KA, Wisner-Carlson R. Autism and education. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2020;29(2).
Autism Awareness Australia. Navigating the health system. 2024. Available from: www.autismawareness.com.au/navigating-autism/navigating-the-health-system-for-autism
Bonti E, Zerva IK, Koundourou C, et al. The high rates of comorbidity among neurodevelopmental disorders: reconsidering the clinical utility of distinct diagnostic categories. J Pers Med. 2024;14(3):300.
Lai M-C, Kassee C, Besney R, et al. Prevalence of co-occurring mental health diagnoses in the autism population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Psychiatry. 2019;6(10):819–829.
Mazurek MO, Sadikova E, Cheak-Zamora N, et al. Health care needs, experiences, and perspectives of autistic adults. Autism Adulthood. 2023;5(1):51–62.
Barlattani T, D’Amelio C, Cavatassi A, et al. Autism spectrum disorders and psychiatric comorbidities: a narrative review. J Psychopathol. 2023;29(1):3–24.
Blair J. Diagnostic overshadowing: see beyond the diagnosis. 2017. Available from: www.intellectualdisability.info/changing-values/diagnostic-overshadowing-see-beyond-the-diagnosis
Al-Beltagi M. Autism medical comorbidities. World J Clin Pediatr. 2021;10(3):15–28.
Sung Y-S, Loh SC, Lin L-Y. Physical activity and motor performance: a comparison between young children with and without autism spectrum disorder. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2021;17:3743–3751.
Turner M. The role of drugs in the treatment of autism. Aust Prescr. 2020;43:185–190.
Mayo Clinic. Autism spectrum disorder. 2025. Available from: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352934
Di Pietrantonj C, Rivetti A, Marchione P, et al. Vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021;(11):CD004407.
Wong A, Frye RE, Ohnemus-Kawamura B, et al. Cerebral folate deficiency. 2019. Available from: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/cerebral-folate-deficiency/
Ramaekers VTH, Quadros EV. Cerebral folate deficiency syndrome: early diagnosis, intervention and treatment strategies. Nutrients. 2022;14(15):3096.
Sheppeard A. What is leucovorin, and can it cure autism? 2025. Available from: www.medicalrepublic.com.au/what-is-leucovorin-and-can-it-cure-autism/120175
Norris JE, Milton D, Heasman B. Adapting communication with autistic service users: a participatory study. Autism. 2024.
National Autistic Society. Repeated movements and behaviour (stimming). 2026. Available from: www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/about-autism/repeated-movements-and-behaviour-stimming
National Autistic Society. Autism and communication. 2024. Available from: www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/about-autism/autism-and-communication

8.00 am	Set up and check in IVF work fluctuates – some days it’s minimal, other days it’s constant. I check what’s booked/expected, confirm any urgent needs, and make sure there’s space for IVF stock.
9.00 am	Ordering and supply planning Weekly ordering is done on Monday mornings and reviewed again on Wednesday because we can’t reliably order later in the week. This helps to protect continuity.
10:30 am	Dispensary coordination My dispensary manager leads ordering of IVF medicines, support materials and consumables. She also prepares syringe/needle packs for medicines that require separate consumable supply, so patients receive everything together.
12.00 pm	Clinic liaison Phone or email contact with IVF nurses occurs most days to clarify prescriptions, confirm timing and align supply with treatment cycles.
2.00 pm	Prescription collection Our courier collects prescriptions from fertility clinics weekly, as not all clinics use e-scripts. These are processed promptly to avoid delays that could affect treatment timing.
3.30 pm	Patient support IVF supply often includes practical support: ensuring patients have what they need for transport and storage, and that any supporting materials and consumables are ready alongside the medicines.
6.00 pm	Engagement and training Some evenings may include a Fertility Nurses of Australia meeting, or delivering training sessions for fertility clinics for IVF clinicians and nurses.
8.00 pm	Urgent supply Occasionally I’ll get an out-of-hours call from an IVF clinician to arrange emergency medicines supply, requiring rapid coordination to keep treatment on track.

8.00 am	Set up and check in IVF work fluctuates – some days it’s minimal, other days it’s constant. I check what’s booked/expected, confirm any urgent needs, and make sure there’s space for IVF stock.
9.00 am	Ordering and supply planning Weekly ordering is done on Monday mornings and reviewed again on Wednesday because we can’t reliably order later in the week. This helps to protect continuity.
10:30 am	Dispensary coordination My dispensary manager leads ordering of IVF medicines, support materials and consumables. She also prepares syringe/needle packs for medicines that require separate consumable supply, so patients receive everything together.
12.00 pm	Clinic liaison Phone or email contact with IVF nurses occurs most days to clarify prescriptions, confirm timing and align supply with treatment cycles.
2.00 pm	Prescription collection Our courier collects prescriptions from fertility clinics weekly, as not all clinics use e-scripts. These are processed promptly to avoid delays that could affect treatment timing.
3.30 pm	Patient support IVF supply often includes practical support: ensuring patients have what they need for transport and storage, and that any supporting materials and consumables are ready alongside the medicines.
6.00 pm	Engagement and training Some evenings may include a Fertility Nurses of Australia meeting, or delivering training sessions for fertility clinics for IVF clinicians and nurses.
8.00 pm	Urgent supply Occasionally I’ll get an out-of-hours call from an IVF clinician to arrange emergency medicines supply, requiring rapid coordination to keep treatment on track.

8.00 am	Set up and check in IVF work fluctuates – some days it’s minimal, other days it’s constant. I check what’s booked/expected, confirm any urgent needs, and make sure there’s space for IVF stock.
9.00 am	Ordering and supply planning Weekly ordering is done on Monday mornings and reviewed again on Wednesday because we can’t reliably order later in the week. This helps to protect continuity.
10:30 am	Dispensary coordination My dispensary manager leads ordering of IVF medicines, support materials and consumables. She also prepares syringe/needle packs for medicines that require separate consumable supply, so patients receive everything together.
12.00 pm	Clinic liaison Phone or email contact with IVF nurses occurs most days to clarify prescriptions, confirm timing and align supply with treatment cycles.
2.00 pm	Prescription collection Our courier collects prescriptions from fertility clinics weekly, as not all clinics use e-scripts. These are processed promptly to avoid delays that could affect treatment timing.
3.30 pm	Patient support IVF supply often includes practical support: ensuring patients have what they need for transport and storage, and that any supporting materials and consumables are ready alongside the medicines.
6.00 pm	Engagement and training Some evenings may include a Fertility Nurses of Australia meeting, or delivering training sessions for fertility clinics for IVF clinicians and nurses.
8.00 pm	Urgent supply Occasionally I’ll get an out-of-hours call from an IVF clinician to arrange emergency medicines supply, requiring rapid coordination to keep treatment on track.

8.00 am	Set up and check in IVF work fluctuates – some days it’s minimal, other days it’s constant. I check what’s booked/expected, confirm any urgent needs, and make sure there’s space for IVF stock.
9.00 am	Ordering and supply planning Weekly ordering is done on Monday mornings and reviewed again on Wednesday because we can’t reliably order later in the week. This helps to protect continuity.
10:30 am	Dispensary coordination My dispensary manager leads ordering of IVF medicines, support materials and consumables. She also prepares syringe/needle packs for medicines that require separate consumable supply, so patients receive everything together.
12.00 pm	Clinic liaison Phone or email contact with IVF nurses occurs most days to clarify prescriptions, confirm timing and align supply with treatment cycles.
2.00 pm	Prescription collection Our courier collects prescriptions from fertility clinics weekly, as not all clinics use e-scripts. These are processed promptly to avoid delays that could affect treatment timing.
3.30 pm	Patient support IVF supply often includes practical support: ensuring patients have what they need for transport and storage, and that any supporting materials and consumables are ready alongside the medicines.
6.00 pm	Engagement and training Some evenings may include a Fertility Nurses of Australia meeting, or delivering training sessions for fertility clinics for IVF clinicians and nurses.
8.00 pm	Urgent supply Occasionally I’ll get an out-of-hours call from an IVF clinician to arrange emergency medicines supply, requiring rapid coordination to keep treatment on track.

Knocking on doors

A workforce running on goodwill

The cost of saying no

Let pharmacists do what they are trained to do

Reform that matches need with value

How did you specialise in assisted reproductive therapy?

What does the role entail?

How do you help patients navigate their medicines regimen?

How do you manage medicines storage, cold-chain and supply?

How do you collaborate with fertility clinics, prescribers and nurses?

What advice do you have for ECPs keen on specialising in this area?

A Day in the life of Morag Horton, community pharmacy owner, Adelaide, South Australia

Compliance is key

Dispensing psychedelics safely

Managing patient enquiries

How does the nasal spray differ from EpiPen?

Can it be placed in a resuscitation kit?

Who is the nasal spray best suited to?

What should pharmacists know about its use?

Who is most likely to experience adverse effects?

Who might find it hard to use the nasal spray?

Could adrenaline nasal spray (neffy) be downscheduled?

How much does it cost?

Will the nasal spray be PBS listed?

Where can I find more information?

Bridging the gap when CBT is delayed

Checking duration against intention

Monitoring efficacy and tolerability

Knocking on doors

A workforce running on goodwill

The cost of saying no

Let pharmacists do what they are trained to do

Reform that matches need with value

How did you specialise in assisted reproductive therapy?

What does the role entail?

How do you help patients navigate their medicines regimen?

How do you manage medicines storage, cold-chain and supply?

How do you collaborate with fertility clinics, prescribers and nurses?

What advice do you have for ECPs keen on specialising in this area?

A Day in the life of Morag Horton, community pharmacy owner, Adelaide, South Australia

Compliance is key

Dispensing psychedelics safely

Managing patient enquiries

How does the nasal spray differ from EpiPen?

Can it be placed in a resuscitation kit?

Who is the nasal spray best suited to?

What should pharmacists know about its use?

Who is most likely to experience adverse effects?

Who might find it hard to use the nasal spray?

Could adrenaline nasal spray (neffy) be downscheduled?

How much does it cost?

Will the nasal spray be PBS listed?

Where can I find more information?

Bridging the gap when CBT is delayed

Checking duration against intention

Monitoring efficacy and tolerability

Knocking on doors

A workforce running on goodwill

The cost of saying no

Let pharmacists do what they are trained to do

Reform that matches need with value

How did you specialise in assisted reproductive therapy?

What does the role entail?

How do you help patients navigate their medicines regimen?

How do you manage medicines storage, cold-chain and supply?

How do you collaborate with fertility clinics, prescribers and nurses?

What advice do you have for ECPs keen on specialising in this area?

A Day in the life of Morag Horton, community pharmacy owner, Adelaide, South Australia

Compliance is key

Dispensing psychedelics safely

Managing patient enquiries

How does the nasal spray differ from EpiPen?

Can it be placed in a resuscitation kit?

Who is the nasal spray best suited to?

What should pharmacists know about its use?

Who is most likely to experience adverse effects?

Who might find it hard to use the nasal spray?

Could adrenaline nasal spray (neffy) be downscheduled?

How much does it cost?

Will the nasal spray be PBS listed?