Practitioners’ perceived usefulness of ‘autism’ and related terms: implications for diagnostic procedures

Summary

A number of terms have been proposed to describe individuals who experience difficulties identified within the spectrum of autism. A sample of terms was selected and four professional groups were requested to indicate which of the terms they would use/never use in working with young children. Severe communication difficulties and autistic features were found to be the most frequently used terms. Pervasive developmental disorder and autistic syndrome were the most infrequently used terms. Guidance for diagnostic/descriptive procedures were drawn from parent interview and practitioners’ advice on complications experienced in diagnosis.