FRAMEWORKS AND METHODS IN DIAGNOSING AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Recent issues and research addressing conceptualizations of diagnostic frameworks for autism spectrum disorders are discussed. Strengths of current systems, including comparability across international criteria , attention to developmental variation, and broader inclusion of indiv iduals with social-communicative dysfunction are highlighted. Controve rsial issues, including difficulties in identifying thresholds for per vasive developmental disorders other than autism, implications of age of onset, and the appropriateness of diagnostic hierarchies, are also considered. Specific instruments for diagnosis are discussed in terms of current conceptualizations of autism spectrum disorders. (C) 1998 W iley-Liss, Inc.