title: The autism spectrum: definitions, assessment and diagnoses.
abstract: This article summarizes current research related to autism spectrum disorders. Current epidemiological trends, theories about aetiology, and relevant issues in assessment and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders are discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan Autism and Communication Disorders Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lord
authors.forename: Somer L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Bishop
mesh_terms: D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity