Background: In recent years, standards of good practice have been set for services to young children with autism spectrum disorders.
Methods: Data were analysed on children's use of local services during a 2-year follow-up of families involved in an evaluation of a group course for parents. Data collection began prior to publication of the standards.
Results: Families' reported experiences changed over time, but for most did not meet standards suggested: involvement with a multi-agency team of professionals, having someone who acted as a key worker, and the child accessing 15 h per week of specialist provision.
Conclusion: The development of flexible and responsive services appears to have a long way to go to meet standards set in the Autistic Spectrum Disorders Good Practice Guidance (2002) and the National Autism Plan for Children (2003).