Assessment and Service Provision for Children with Autism

This paper considers issues to do with the assessment of, and provision made for, children with autism. Reference is made to some of the key principles of current legislation and guidance, together with developments in the voluntary sector. These are discussed in the context of personal experience of managing a school for children with autism and diagnostic and assessment services for children with disorders of development and communication. Greater awareness has led to an expansion of services, often in response to pressure from parent organisations, but careful attention needs to be given to ensuring that continued development meets the very complex and specific needs of children with autism.