Consensus or chaos: Survey of prescribing practices of New Zealand child and adolescent psychiatrists for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

•New Zealand child psychiatrists, generally agree about pharmacotherapies for issues such as anxiety, sleep problems, ADHD and depression.•However, there is disagreement regarding the value of pharmacotherapy for restricted and repetitive behaviours (RRBs).•The most commonly prescribed medications for children and adolescents with ASD are fluoxetine, methylphenidate and melatonin..•Recommended doses and reported adverse effects were quantitatively similar to those in children without ASD.•Improved national guidance is needed to improve clinician confidence and consistency of prescribing.