What is the future of assessment for autism spectrum disorders: Short and long term

The autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are common, debilitating and life long. Thus, early identification of the disorder is considered to be critically important. Furthermore, periodic and life long assessment is necessary to calibrate the level and type of supports each person requires. The heterogeneity of ASD further highlights the need for reliable and valid methods which can establish overall severity of ASD, as well as specific skills for intervention. The methods and procedures used to achieve these goals have evolved considerably in the last 60 years with the rate of change accelerating. This paper highlights past practices, current methods and future directions in assessment.